Malaysian Journal of Biochemistry
& Molecular Biology
(E-ISSN: 2600-9005)
The Official Publication of the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (MSBMB)
Indexed by SCOPUS and Malaysian Citation Index (MYCITE)
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT
The MJBMB will be revising its publication fee for accepted papers from MYR250 to MYR300 effective 1st January 2026.
New submissions received from 1st January 2026 onwards will pay the new rate.
Best viewed on desktop
Special Issue (1) 2026
Selected Papers from the:
Korea-Asean Joint Symposium on Biomass Utilisation and Renewable Energy 2024 & AFOB Regional Symposium 2025
Page range 1-67
DOI:
Page 45-56
Hazel Monica M. Peralta, Fatimah Md. Yusoff and Aziz Arshad
MICROSATELLITE-BASED CHARACTERIZATION OF PARACALANUS PARVUS POPULATIONS ACROSS COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS OF THE STRAITS OF MALACCA
Abstract
Understanding genetic diversity and population structure is crucial for elucidating evolutionary processes and ecological dynamics in marine species. This study characterizes the population genetics of the calanoid copepod, Paracalanus parvus, a key zooplankton species widely distributed in coastal ecosystems along the Straits of Malacca. Traditionally, holoplanktonic organisms like P. parvus were assumed to exhibit high gene flow and low genetic structuring due to their dispersal potential. However, recent evidence suggests otherwise, motivating this investigation. Using microsatellite DNA markers originally developed for the intertidal copepod T. californicus, we screened 11 loci and identified six polymorphic markers suitable for population analysis. Samples were collected from four distinct coastal habitats: mangrove forest reserve, shrimp aquaculture farm, cage culture area, and seagrass bed. Genomic DNA was extracted via a modified CTAB method, and PCR amplification was optimized for these loci. Allele sizes were determined through gel electrophoresis and band pattern analyses. Our results reveal genetic variability within P. parvus populations across different coastal ecosystems, with evidence of weak population structuring and moderate gene flow despite the species' presumed high dispersal potential. These findings challenge the traditional paradigm of panmixia in pelagic copepods and highlight the influence of local environmental factors and habitat heterogeneity on population structure. This study contributes to the limited knowledge on copepod population genetics and underscores the importance of microsatellite markers in assessing genetic diversity in marine zooplankton. The insights gained have implications for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and understanding evolutionary mechanisms in marine planktonic species.