Nucleotide Distribution Patterns in Insect Genomes

Abstract

This work analyzed genome-wide nucleotide distribution patterns in ten insect genomes. Two internal measures were applied: (i) GC variation and (ii) third codon nucleotide preference. Although the genome size and overall GC level did not show any correlation with insect order, the internal measures usually displayed higher levels of consistency. GC variations in genomes of hymenopteran insects, honeybee and wasp, ranked highest among all eukaryotic genomes analyzed by us. Genomes of honeybee and beetle, insects of different orders with similar overall GC levels, showed significant internal differences. Honeybee genome stood out as unusual due to its high GC variation and 'left-handed' gene locations.