Comparison of Chorismate Mutase Isozyme Patterns in Selected Plants

Abstract
A wide variety of plants were assayed to determine if they contain 3 isozymes of chorismate mutase (EC 5.4.99.5) as does alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or 2 isozymes, as does mung bean (Phaseolus aureus). The isozymes were separated by disc electrophoresis. All anthophyta with the exception of some closely related Leguminosae contained 3 isozymes of chorismate mutase. The 1 coniferophyta (a pine), and pterophyta (a fern) and 1 microphyllophyta (a Selaginella) assayed contained 2 isozymes of chorismate mutase. All plants assayed contained measurable chorismate mutase levels and at least 2 isozymes of chorismate mutase.