CHARACTERIZATION OF ISOZYMES OF THREE TROPICAL TREE SPECIES - EFFECT OF EXTRACTION AND RUNNING BUFFERS ON STAINING INTENSITY AND RESOLUTION

Abstract

The staining intensity and resolution of 27 enzyme systems using a combination of eight extraction buffers and four gelelectrode buffer systems was assessed for various tissue types in Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Dalbergia cochinchinensis and Pinus kesiya. Embryos of all three species stained well for most enzyme systems. Young leaf extracts of P. macrocarpus and D. cochinchinensis produced stains for many enzyme systems, but dormant buds failed to produce enzyme activity. Needle tissues of P. kesiya were not assayed, but megagametophytes were easily stained. Based on preliminary trials, two additional extraction buffers were devised and tested to combine the best characteristics of several others. Recommendations are given for buffer systems to be used and enzymes to be assayed for all three species.