An isozyme analysis of four species in the family Cyprinidae: genetic, taxonomic and germplasm significance

The tissue distribution of products of 35 enzymatic loci (19 enzyme systems and soluble protein) was examined with different buffer systems and gel thicknesses to identify optimal polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic conditions for allozymic and isozymic studies of the black carp (Mylopharyngodon picius), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (Aristichys nobilis). Relative levels of enzyme activity are reported for extracts prepared from brain, eye, heart, kidney, liver and muscle. The results showed that the difference within species tissues was greater than that among species; the results showed that the differences of activity between tissues within species was greater than among species; however Acp, Adh, Amy, Cat, Est, Ichh, Gtdh, Mdhp, Pox, Iddh and SP activities present differences among the four species and could be used as genetic markers of species. The electrophoretogram characteristics of Cox, Ldh and G6pdh can be employed as the markers for distinguishing the Leuciscinae and Hypophthalmichthyinae. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry