An electrophoretic analysis of selected enzymes of the coconut crab, Birgus latro

Abstract

1. 1. Employing starch gel electrophoresis at pH 8.6, a single anodal band of l(+)-lactate dehydrogenase activity was found in skeletal muscle of Birgus latro. 2. 2. Two anodal malate dehydrogenase isozymes were observed in heart, skeletal muscle and pericardial gland tissue. Lung and gill exhibited the faster moving band only. 3. 3. Multiple bands of esterase activity were detected in all tissues examined employing α-naphthylacetate or α-butyrate as substrate. 4. 4. Multiple molecular forms of superoxide dismutase were observed in all tissues examined. 5. 5. Lung exhibited a single cathodal band of carbonic anhydrase activity.