Electrophoretic analysis of Campostoma anomalum,Rhinichthys cataractae and their F1 offspring

Campostoma anomalum, Rhinichthys cataractae and their F₁ hybrids were examined electrophoretically for 44 enzymatic loci, general muscle, and serum proteins. Of the 44 loci scored, acid phosphatase (ACP-B), alkaline phosphatase (AKP-A), esterase (EST-B), α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPD-A), malate dehydrogenase (MDH-A) and phosphoglucomutase (PGM-A) showed hybrid inheritance patterns. Serum proteins also demonstrated additive inheritance patterns, comprising 15 serum proteins in the parents and 18 in the F₁ hybrid. Banding patterns for all mixtures of parental species were identical to those observed in the hybrid.     

Biochemische und cytogenetische Untersuchungen zur Natur des Hämoglobin-Polymorphismus bei Chironomus tentans und Chironomus pallidivittatus

The haemoglobin of chironomids is dissolved in the body fluid of the larvae and can be separated electrophoretically in Chironomus tentans into 10, and in C. pallidivittatus into 8, different bands. The molecular weight determined under the electrophoretic conditions was 15,000±1,000 for each haemoglobin band. This means that each haemoglobin band represented a single protein chain. In each species 7 haemoglobins could be characterised as species specific according to their different electrophoretic mobilities, developmental characteristics and the fact that one haemoglobin could be correlated genetically with a specific chromosome inversion. The inheritance of all these species specific haemoglobins was found to be co-dominant. With cytogenetic methods it was possible to define the loci of the species specific haemoglobin genes as being restricted to certain parts of chromosome 3. This finding suggests gene duplication as the most likely mecanism of the evolution of haemoglobins in Chironomus.     

Genetic divergence and speciation in Basilichthys microlepidotus Jenyns, 1842 and B. australis Eigenmann, 1927 (Pisces,Atherinidae)

Basilichthys microlepidotus Jenyns 1842 and Basilichthys australis Eigenmann 1927 are two morphologically and karyotypically differentiated species endemic to Chile, which occur, with geographical isolation, throughout most of the country. An allozyme survey of 37 loci from a sample of each species was conducted to examine the extent of differentiation between these closely related species. Both species were found to be monomorphic with the same allo/enzyme mobilities at 32 loci. Five loci (13.5%) were found to be polymorphic (0.99 criterion). Based on Nei's Genetic Identity, the two species can be said to be virtually identical since a value of I=0.999 was obtained. These data suggest that both species have evolved very fast, probably by changes in a few loci which could have quantitative and epistatic effects upon the phenotype.     

Analysis of esterase zymograms ofFusarium sambucinum and related species

Esterase zymograms were obtained following polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis of protein extractsFusarium sambucinum and related species originating from different geographic locations and different matrices. The sites of esterase activity were recorded, and the R_fs were calculated. The data were used for the construction of phenograms by cluster analysis and nonlinear mapping by computerized classification techniques. The fifteen isolates ofF. sambucinum, the eight isolates ofF. torulosum and the six isolates ofF. spec. nov. each had identical profiles, and are therefore electrophoretically distinct species. The isolates ofF. sarcochroum, one ofF. sambucinum sensu lato (BBA 64280) and fifteen isolates ofF. sambucinum were electrophoretically indistinguishable from each other. We assume they are synonymous. The isolate ofF. bactridioides, one ofF. sambucinum sensu lato (BBA 64993) and eight isolates ofF. torulosum had uniform EST patterns, therefore the two species are electrophoretically identical. We assume they are also synonymous. The remaining three isolates ofF. sambucinum sensu lato are somewhat closely related toF. sambucinum isolates on the basis of our investigations.     

Genital and allozyme similarity between Arion urbiae and A. anguloi (Mollusca: Pulmonata)

A comparison of the genital features of Arion urbiae and A. anguloi suggests that the species are extremely similar, if not identical. This hypothesis is supported by an electrophoretic analysis of 13 putative enzynme loci, which shows that the two species are also genetically yery similar (I = 0.947), while the related A. subfuscus consists of two distinct genetic types (I = 0.421). These results are further confirmed by a study of esterase profiles obtained with isoelectric focusing. It is therefore concluded that A. urbiae and A. anguloi are most probably conspecifie, whereas the genetic types of A. subfuscus may represent two different species.     

Basic haematological values in antelopes--IV. A comparison and concluding remarks

Comparison of mean erythrocyte counts, mean haematocrit values, mean haemoglobin content and mean corpuscular volume of the red cell is presented for 21 species of antelopes (four species being excluded because of the small number of animals investigated). A direct relationship of haematocrit values and haemoglobin content and an inverse relationship of red cell counts and mean corpuscular volume of the erythrocytes were noted. The significance of an increased total surface area for oxygen exchange is discussed and values obtained in the red blood picture are compared with those of domesticated animals (cattle, goat and sheep) taken from the literature. Mean leukocyte counts were found to be in the human range with the exception of two species, but significantly lower than in domesticated artiodactylids. Problems in assessing the general health, the age, the effect of diet and of environment in captivity are discussed. Problems of methodology, especially of blood sampling, are given comparing results in manually restrained and in sedated animals.     

Human skin collagenase: isolation of precursor and active forms from both fibroblast and organ cultures.

Human skin procollagenase has been isolated, in pure form, from the medium of fibroblasts cultured in the presence or absence of added serum. Purification was achieved using a combination of cation-exchange (phosphocellulose or carboxymethylcellulose) and gel-filtration chromatography. Two forms (60 000 and 55 000 daltons) of the procollagenase were detected by electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gels and could be separated by chromatography on Ultrogel AcA-44. Each form was converted to active enzyme by trypsin, producing species of 50 000 and 45 000 daltons, respectively. An autoactivation process also occurred, which yielded active enzyme without a detectable change in molecular weight. Procollagenase also was found in organ cultures of human skin but only when serum was added to the medium. This suggests that a serum-inhibitable proteolytic system is present in these cultures which, like trypsin, converts procollagenase to the active enzyme forms that can be isolated from serum-free organ culture medium. The collagenase species obtained from either fibroblast or organ culture medium were chromatographically and electrophoretically identical.     

Studies on protein multimers. The association–dissociation behaviour of β-galactosidase in glycerol

1. The effect of glycerol on the association-dissociation behaviour of beta-galactosidases from Escherichia coli is described. Two strains, K12 and ML308, were used as sources of enzyme. The conditions used, involving glycerol at a concentration of 90%, result in dissociation of the active 540000-dalton form to inactive structural subunits of 135000 daltons. 2. A pH-dependent process, assumed to be cyclic in mechanism, allows reassociation to an active form indistinguishable from the initial protein. 3. The apparently identical structural subunits, if produced in the presence of EDTA, were found to give rise to two electrophoretically distinguishable species. 4. Enzymes from both strains of E. coli can be distinguished electrophoretically but exhibit the same behaviour in glycerol. 5. A scheme of the association-dissociation is presented that is consistent with the behaviour observed and that has some predictive value.     

Genetic variation of oaks (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus</Emphasis> spp.) in Switzerland. 3. Lack of impact of postglacial recolonization history on nuclear gene loci

Quercus petraea, Quercus pubescens and Quercus robur are closely related and interfertile white oaks native to Switzerland. The three species are known to share identical cpDNA haplotypes, which are indicative of the postglacial recolonization history of populations. Only two haplotypes are common in Switzerland. We compared variation of cpDNA and of isozymes in 28 oak populations from Switzerland in order to assess the impact of the postglacial population history on current genetic structures of nuclear controlled isozyme gene loci. Species delineation was based on Principal Component Analysis of leaf morphological traits. The species status of populations was reflected at isozyme gene loci, but differentiation between populations with different cpDNA haplotypes and hence different recolonization history was very low at enzyme gene loci for all species. Thus, glacial and postglacial population history was not reflected at nuclear gene loci on the temporal and spatial scale covered by the present study. Extensive gene flow through pollen among populations is likely to have blurred a previously existing genetic differentiation at biparentally inherited gene loci that possibly evolved in the different glacial refugia of the above mentioned cpDNA haplotypes.     

Isolation, purification, and chemical characterization of the serum mitogen for diploid human fibroblasts

We have found that diploid human fibroblasts, but not heteroploid human fibroblasts, stringently required serum for their multiplication. Using Diaflo ultrafiltration membrane units, isoelectric focusing and preparative gel electrophoresis, we have isolated and purified this mitogenic activity from mammalian sera. This electrophoretically homogeneous sialoprotein is 120,000 daltons in size, with an iso-electric point of pH 5.2–5.4; it is made up of two electrophoretically identical dimers weighing 57,000 each; it is thermostable and is inactivated by both trypsin and neuraminidase.     

Fructose bisphosphatase isozymes of the mouse. I. Inheritance

Electrophoretically detectable polymorphisms of fructose bisphosphatase (EC 3.1.3.11) have been found in the mouse. One polymorphism, found among inbred strains of Mus musculus and feral animals, affects the isozymes found in the muscle and in most other tissues examined but is not expressed in kidney, liver, or testis. These tissues have other electrophoretically distinct isozymes which are monomorphic in Mus musculus but are present as a different electromorph in the sympatric species Mus spretus. Breeding data have established that the genetic control of the muscle enzyme is expressed by an autosomal structural locus Fbp-1 which is distinct from that expressing the liver, kidney, and testis enzyme, Fbp-2. The organ-specific expression of the two loci suggests possible functional differences between the two products.This work was supported by the Medical Research Council.     

Morphological, developmental and electrophoretic variation within and between obligately apomictic Taraxacum species

Interclonal variation in six morphometric characters and in the onset and rate of capitulum production, together with inter-and intra-clonal variation in esterase zymograms was examined in each of the two obligately apomictic species, Taraxacum pseudohamatum (section Hamata ) and T. unguilobum (section Naevosa ). Interclonal and interspecific variation in esterase zymograms was also examined within and between seven additional obligately apomictic species within the section Hamata. Within T. pseudohamatum , interclonal variation in the morphometric and electrophoretic characters was extensive; no variation was recorded in the onset and rate of capitulum production. Within T. unguilobum , interclonal variation in the morphometric characters and in the onset and rate of capitulum production was recorded; five of the six clones electrophoretically assayed shared the same esterase zymogram but one of these clones contained an individual which exhibited an aberrant zymogram. Within the section Hamata , considerable variation in esterase zymograms was recorded; this variation was both inter-and intra-specific although one zymogram predominated, being represented in each species and in 65% of the clones.     

Patterns of genome duplication within the Brassica napus genome.

The progenitor diploid genomes (A and C) of the amphidiploid Brassica napus are extensively duplicated with 73% of genomic clones detecting two or more duplicate sequences within each of the diploid genomes. This comprehensive duplication of loci is to be expected in a species that has evolved through a polyploid ancestor. The majority of the duplicate loci within each of the diploid genomes were found in distinct linkage groups as collinear blocks of linked loci, some of which had undergone a variety of rearrangements subsequent to duplication, including inversions and translocations. A number of identical rearrangements were observed in the two diploid genomes, suggesting they had occurred before the divergence of the two species. A number of linkage groups displayed an organization consistent with centric fusion and (or) fission, suggesting this mechanism may have played a role in the evolution of Brassica genomes. For almost every genetically mapped locus detected in the A genome a homologous locus was found in the C genome; the collinear arrangement of these homologous markers allowed the primary regions of homoeology between the two genomes to be identified. At least 16 gross chromosomal rearrangements differentiated the two diploid genomes during their divergence from a common ancestor.     

Biochemical genetic markers to identify two morphologically similar South African Mastomys species (Rodentia: Muridae)

The two common southern African mice species (Mastomys coucha and M. natalensis) are morphologically almost identical, making field identification impossible at present. Specimens from two localities were collected and tissue and blood samples taken. The habitat type of each locality was studied, and a distribution map compiled. A definite correlation between biome-type and species range was found to be present. Three isozyme markers were identified: glucose phosphate isomerase in liver, and two general (non-specific) protein coding loci in muscle. In addition, we also identified species characteristic haemoglobin components in both species. This is the first study to report genetic variation within, and differentiation between these species. Our results are of medical importance because Mastomys coucha carries bubonic plague and M. natalensis carries Lassa Fever.     

Protein loci in the Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus L.: electrophoretic expression and genetic variability patterns

In the search for electrophoretically detectable protein loci in the Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus L ., tissue samples of eye, liver, and muscle from a total of 934 specimens collected at 10 Swedish localities were analysed. General protein staining and specific staining for 33 enzymes revealed 52 detectable loci; 37 of which were considered usable in population surveys. Variability was observed at four loci coding for esterase ( est-2 ), the liver-specific form of lactate dehydrogenase ( ldh-3 ), and the skeletal muscle form of malate dehydrogenase ( mdh-4, 5 ); genetic variation at loci coding for ldh-3 and mdh-4, 5 has not previously been described in the Arctic charr. Relating our results to the multiple locus studies presented in the literature including Arctic charr from Ireland and North America reveals polymorphism at approximately one-third of the loci studied in the Arctic charr, and the fraction of variable loci does not appear lower in this species than in other salmonids. There were highly significant allele frequency differences between samples. Nevertheless, there was a high degree of genetic similarity among all the populations sampled indicating that they were derived from a relatively recent common ancestor. The results are discussed in relation to the current controversy concerning the number of major evolutionary lines in Scandinavian Arctic charr.     

Enzyme polymorphism and species discrimination in fruit flies of the genus Dacus (Tephritidae).

Sympatric populations of D. tryoni and D. neohumeralis are difficult to completely distinguish taxonomically. Using five pigmentation characters, each of some taxonomic value, a small proportion of individuals cannot be assigned to either species nor definitely classified as hybrids. To aid in species discrimination and hybrid identification gene frequencies in natural populations were estimated at three polymorphic protein loci, an alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh), an octanol dehydrogenase (Odh) and an esterase (E-2). Samples of flies were taken from four sites spread over 1200 miles along the Australian eastern coast. Within each species allelic frequencies at each locus were largely the same at all localities. Consistent differences in gene frequencies between species occurred at all three loci, strongly supporting the hypothesis of two distinct gene pools. The Adh locus best discriminated between species with a unique allele occurring in D. neohumeralis at a frequency of 0-85. None of the loci showed complete differentiation and hence it was not possible to find a quick and easy method to distinguish the species nor to detect field hybrids. Directional selection of laboratory populations for a change in callus colour (the best pigmentation character for separating the species) indicated that at the Adh and E-2 loci frequencies of major alleles were not genetically associated with major genes for callus colour. Thus genotype determination at these loci when considered together with pigmentation characters may be valuable taxonomically for further distinguishing between the species.     

Fish haemoglobins: the order Clupeiformes

The haemoglobin systems of the order Clupeiformes have been studied by several researchers in 41 species belonging to three out of its five families. Most of them were investigated in the native form using electrophoretic methods, and a few were also examined from the functional point of view. Both approaches corroborate the widespread view that acidic and basic haemoglobin components, which are structurally and functionally distinct, may be present in teleost fish. However, the former are always present, whereas the latter are often lacking, depending on the taxonomic group. Both kinds of components are found in families Clupeidae and Pristigasteridae, but only acidic ones in Engraulidae.Most electrophoretic patterns show high multiplicity, and chiefly concern the acidic components. Ontogenetic variation was described in three species. Individual variants were also observed in other species, although some of these might be due to ontogenetic variations rather than genetic polymorphism.     

Biochemical polymorphisms in goats with special reference to the Hungarian Native breed

Biochemical polymorphisms (haemoglobin, serum transferrin, serum albumin, serum amylase, red cell phosphohexose isomerase, red cell carbonic anhydrase, ceruloplasmin and aryl esterase) of 224 Hungarian Native female goats and 21 imported male goats (German Improved, Saanen, Nubian, Slovakian White) have been studied. On the basis of the observed gene frequency values these polymorphic traits cannot be used efficiently in parentage control work or in correlation studies. There was no apparent association between the haemoglobin and transferrin type of the females and their reproductive performance.     

Biochemical polymorphisms in goats with special reference to the Hungarian Native breed

Biochemical polymorphisms (haemoglobin, serum transferrin, serum albumin, serum amylase, red cell phosphohexose isomerase, red cell carbonic anhydrase, ceruloplasmin and aryl esterase) of 224 Hungarian Native female goats and 21 imported male goats (German Improved, Saanen, Nubian, Slovakian White) have been studied.
On the basis of the observed gene frequency values these polymorphic traits cannot be used efficiently in parentage control work or in correlation studies. There was no apparent association between the haemoglobin and transferrin type of the females and their reproductive performance.     

Characterization of Mycoplasma pulmonis Variants Isolated from Rabbits I. Identification and Properties of Isolates

Mycoplasma showing at least two colony types were isolated from the nares and oropharynx of New Zealand white rabbits. Two strains were purified by single-colony passages and characterized. Morphology by phase-contrast and electron microscopy was typical of Mycoplasmataceae. Both grew anaerobically as well as aerobically, caused hemolysis of guinea pig, sheep, and horse red blood cells, and fermented glucose. These characteristics are shared by members of the species M. pulmonis, commonly isolated from the respiratory tracts of laboratory rats and mice. By use of the growth-inhibition test and agar-gel double-diffusion tests, the two strains were found to be serologically related to each other and to M. pulmonis ATCC 14267 but not to other representative Mycoplasma species from man and animals.