Polymorphism in two genes for B2 high sulfur proteins of wool

Abstract

Variation in the nucleotide sequence of the B2 high-sulfur protein genes has not been reported previously. This paper reports 15 nucleotide substitutions in each of the genes for the B2A and B2C proteins and a length of polymorphism in the B2A gene which translates to the insertion/deletion of one 30-nucleotide repeat sequence. Evidence is presented for gene conversion occurring within the B2 high-sulfur multigene family. These DNA polymorphisms may account for some of the microheterogeneity observed in the B2 high-sulfur proteins and may also be useful genetic markers of the B2 high-sulfur protein gene loci for future use in analysing wool fibre characteristics.