Plasma Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Mature Inbred Chickens

Abstract

A REVIEW of the existent literature reveals very little information concerning the metabolic mechanisms by which genes are able to control the productivity of birds or animals. One approach to the problem of gene action is a study of biochemical variation and individuality, for it is difficult to conceive of any biological diversity, including productivity, which does not reside in the biochemistry of the individual. To be of greatest value in experimentally relating heredity, metabolism, and production, a particular biochemical difference should be largely under genetic control so that it is relatively stable to environmental influences. An example of such a biochemical individuality is the pattern of glutathione metabolism in the erythrocytes, where there are distinct individual and line differences in inbred chickens (Stutts et al., 1956a) and individual and breed differences in immature beef cattle (Kunkel et al., 1954). Subsequent investigation has resulted in preliminary evidence of a significant …