Genetic Diversity Analysis

Overview

CD Genomics offers advanced genetic diversity analysis services to assess genetic variation within populations. Using methods like SNP genotyping, microsatellites, and high-throughput sequencing, the service provides insights into heterozygosity, allele richness, population size, and structure. This supports conservation, breeding programs, and ecosystem management.

What is Genetic Diversity

The variation in hereditary material present across members of a biological group constitutes genetic diversity. Within populations, this encompasses an array of genomic variations, including distinct gene variants and DNA sequence polymorphisms, which shape the distinctive traits exhibited by individual organisms. The capacity of species to persist and evolve hinges upon this genetic variability, enabling evolutionary responses to shifting environmental conditions, enhanced pathogen resistance, and the preservation of balanced ecological systems.

Agricultural advancement and animal husbandry rely on the genetic variability inherent in organisms, facilitating selective breeding initiatives to enhance productivity, boost immunity to pathogens, and develop resilience to environmental stressors. Human genetic variability offers valuable perspectives on our ancestral origins, demographic patterns through time, and differential predisposition to various medical conditions.

How to Measure Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genetic traits within a species. Measuring it involves several key methods:

Molecular Markers:

Techniques like microsatellites, SNPs, and AFLP analyze DNA variations to assess genetic differences.

Genetic Indices:

Observed Heterozygosity (Ho): Proportion of heterozygous individuals.

Expected Heterozygosity (He): Predicted heterozygosity based on allele frequencies.

Allelic Richness: Number of alleles per locus.

F-statistics (FST): Genetic differentiation between populations.

Population Size and Structure:

Effective Population Size (Ne): Indicates genetic diversity based on reproductive individuals.

Population Structure: Examines how populations differ genetically across regions.

DNA Sequencing: High-throughput sequencing (NGS) provides comprehensive genetic data.

Gene Flow and Isolation:

Measures the movement of genes between populations to understand genetic exchange.

What affects genetic diversity.(Mastretta-Yanes,et.al,2024)
Figure 1 alt:What affects genetic diversity

What Can We do

Demo Results

PCoA visualize the genetic diversity(Brhane, H,et.al.2024)
Figure 1 alt:PCoA visualize the genetic diversity

Our Advantages

Applications of Genetic Diversity

Agricultural Applications

(1) Supporting Breeding Programs for Crops and Seeds

Genetic diversity analysis is essential for optimizing breeding strategies, enabling the identification of superior germplasm and predicting hybrid performance. It contributes to the development of high-quality, stress-resistant, and high-yielding crops through marker-assisted selection (MAS).

(2) Characterizing Genetic Diversity in Crops

Genetic diversity in crops is key for germplasm management and conservation, allowing the identification of valuable genes for yield and resistance traits. Constructing genetic maps using diversity data facilitates studying the genetic basis of complex traits, promoting targeted crop improvement.

(3) Understanding Agricultural Threats

Studying genetic variation in weeds helps optimize control strategies and minimize crop yield losses. Researching pathogens and pests enables the development of resistant crops, while assessing invasive species' adaptability aids in agricultural ecosystem protection by understanding their risk to crops.

Animal Applications

(1) Wildlife Conservation

Assessing genetic diversity helps understand species survival and adaptability, while optimizing breeding programs and developing conservation strategies based on genetic structure and ecological needs ensures long-term population health.

(2) Livestock and Poultry Breeding

Improving livestock productivity, health, and disease resistance involves identifying beneficial genes, optimizing the use of rare breeds, and supporting disease resistance research to enhance breeding and species sustainability.

(3) Animal Health and Disease Research

Studying pathogens’ evolution, antimicrobial resistance, and animal-environment interactions aids in controlling infectious diseases, improving drug use strategies, and understanding the effects of climate change on animal health.

Environmental and Ecosystem Research

Ecological Diversity Assessment: Analyzing the genetic diversity of multiple species within ecosystems to understand their ability to adapt to environmental changes.

Community Succession and Ecological Restoration: Using genetic diversity data to monitor ecological succession and guide ecological restoration plans.

Invasive Species Studies: Assessing the impact of invasive species on local ecosystems and providing data support for biodiversity conservation efforts.

Case Study

FAQs