STARCH GEL ELECTROPHORESIS OF PLANT ISOZYMES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The use of genetic information expressed in isozymic form has enhanced our understanding of heritable variation within and among plant populations. For over three decades now, protein electrophoresis coupled with histochemical staining has provided data on the concordance of observable features in plants (e.g., morphology, cytology, ecological adaptation) with isozyme phenotypes. Yet inadequate dissemination of procedural details and varied investigative approaches have limited the comparative value of electrophoretic data and have made it difficult for novices to apply the technique to other experimental systems. Information gathered from over 25 laboratories utilizing enzyme electrophoresis is treated comparatively, providing access to protocols that often are either unpublished or widely dispersed in the literature. Analyzed in the review are methods and guidelines for enzyme extraction, effective storage of plant samples and buffers, efficient screening of taxa for enzymatic activity, and interpretation of diploid and polyploid banding patterns.