Electrophoretic study of some paua (Haliotis iris) proteins

Abstract

Previous studies showed that New Zealand paua (Haliotis iris) differ in growth rates and absolute sizes from location to location which may indicate separateness of breeding populations. The purpose of this study was to find an electrophoretic marker suitable for paua population identification. Several paua enzymes were examined for polymorphism and a marker was found. A comparison of PGM band frequencies between Wellington, Kaikoura and Chathams paua samples indicated a distinctness of Chathams paua breeding population. Hydrological data and information on paua larval life supported this conclusion. In the course of the study it was found that esterases showed complex and inconsistent electromorphic patterns and thus were unsuitable for use as markers. A detailed analysis of paua digestive tract and feeding studies are required for the clarification of the questions raised. This study highlights the practical and theoretical problems associated with use and interpretation of the results of gel electrophoresis technique.