Cyst Membrane Protein Composition as a Discriminant Character in the GenusArtemia. (International Study onArtemiaLV)

Abstract

Isolated embryonic membranes (i.e. the outer cuticular membrane, the fibrous layer, the inner cuticular membrane and the hatching membrane) and homogenates of incubated, decapsulated cysts of 16 populations from fiveArtemiaspecies (Crustacea, Anostraca) were examined by sodium dodecyl-sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Characteristic differences in major polypeptides between 45 and 205 kD were seen. These differences might be used as markers for identification of differentArtemiaspecies. The validity of this approach in characterizingArtemiapopulations is discussed.