SEASONAL VARIATION OF ISOZYMES IN JUNIPERUS SCOPULORUM: SYSTEMATIC SIGNIFICANCE

The relationship of seasonal variation in isozymes to systematic studies at the infraspecific level is evaluated. Isozyme variation in peroxidases, esterases, and α-terpineol dehydrogenases was evaluated monthly for one year in J. scopulorum Sarg. Zymograms of α-terpineol dehydrogenases showed one nonvariable band. Isoperoxidases varied quantitatively but not qualitatively, this variation being correlated with seasonal growth and dormancy. Isoesterases showed qualitative variation, with two types of esterases being produced. One type showed seasonal variation and a second was nonvariable. The presence of two types of isoesterases may reflect differing physiological roles for each. The esterase results showed that care should be taken during investigations of isozymes at the population level to assure phenological similarity.