ITS2 structure, species-specificity and implications for insect genetics and evolution

Species-specific homogenization of the ITS2 region located between the 5.8S rRNA and 28S rRNA may function in the process of ribosomal biogenesis. Ribosomal DNA is necessary for translation. ITS2 homogenization may, therefore, facilitate intraspecific compatibility with other translational molecular components. Furthermore, a biogenetic process that depends on sequence and structure conservation may also be a strong species-specific DNA marker which can be used to validate morphologically difficult to distinguish adult insects.