Genetic differentiation between the clam species Ruditapes decussatus (grooved carpet shell) and Venerupis pullastra (pullet carpet shell) by PCR–SSCP analysis

Genetic differentiation of the clam species Ruditapes decussatus (grooved carpet shell) and Venerupis pullastra (pullet carpet shell) has been achieved based on polymerase chain reaction–single‐strand conformation polymorphism (PCR–SSCP) analysis. A short fragment (150 bp) of the α‐actin gene was amplified by PCR. Amplicons were denatured to obtain single‐stranded DNA, electrophoresed on a non‐denaturing polyacrylamide gel and visualised by silver staining for detection of SSCPs. Species‐specific DNA band patterns were obtained for R decussatus and V pullastra, allowing clear differentiation of the two clam species. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry