Differentiation of Species by Paper Electrophoresis of Serum Proteins of Pseudemys Turtles

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Abstract
Analysis by paper electrophoresis of the serum proteins of 22 individuals of 3 spp. of the genus Pseudemys (scripta, nelsoni and floridana) reveal consistent spp. differences in composition. Protein fractions of scripta and nelsoni differ in over-all concentration while floridana differs from both in having an additional fraction. Three sspp. of scripta failed to show geographic variation, but 2 sspp. of P. floridana (floridana and suwanniensis) exhibited distinct differences, suggesting that serum protein differences may evolve fairly rapidly. Protein patterns of suspected hybrids of P. f. floridana and P. f. mobilensis were similar, exhibiting a floridana pattern. This similarity supports the hypothesis of hybrid origin of the specimens. In Pseudemys sera, the protein fraction of greatest mobility is comparable to that of human a1-globulin. This fraction produces a single band in scripta and nelsoni, but a double band in the sspp. of floridana. Another fraction exhibits mobility intermediate between human [alpha]2- and [beta]-globulins. A 3d, exhibiting slight anodic mobility, appears to be a lipoprotein. A 4th fraction has zero mobility,and a 5th exhibits cathodic migration similar to human [gamma]-globulin.

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