Ecological Genetics of the Wild Rabbit in Australia I. Geographical Distribution and Biochemical Characterization of Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase Variants

Abstract

Three electrophoretically distinguishable phQsphogluconate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.44) isoenzyme patterns, probably resulting from the expression of two alleles at one locus, were found in natural populations of rabbits in Eastern Australia. The homopolymers and heteropolymer were isolated and characterized kinetically. The three proteins were found to be indistinguishable with respect to Km for 6-phospho-D-gluconate and NADP+ (both in the presence and absence of magnesium), energies of activation, specific activities in liver, pH profiles and thermal stabilities. The rare allele was not found near the major initial release site of the rabbit in Australia and may have arisen in Australia.