A new repetitive DNA sequence family in the olive (Olea europaea L.)

Two families of repeated DNA sequences were cloned from Olea europaea ssp s ativa cv. "Picual". The first repetitive DNA is organized in a tandem repea t of monomers of 178 bp. Sequencing of several clones showed that it is rel atively A-T rich (54.49 %) and possesses short direct and inverted subrepea ts as well as some palindromic sequences. Comparison between the monomers r evealed heterogeneity of the sequence primary structure. This repetitive DN A is present in several cultivars of olive cultivates. Comparison of sequen ces with other repetitive DNAs described in Olea europaea has been carried out. No significant similarity was found. All the obtained results suggest that this repetitive DNA described here is a new family of repetitive DNA. The second repetitive DNA is organized in a tandem repeat of monomers of 78 bp. This second family of repetitive DNA showed significant similarity wit h other repetitive DNAs previously described in Olea europaea. Their existe nce in new cultivars or olive is shown.