Comparaison biochimique de quatre esp�ces de cop�podes planctoniques de M�diterran�e nord-occidentale � partir des enzymogrammes des est�rases, de la leucine aminopeptidase, de la phosphatase alcaline, de la malate d�shydrog�nase et de l'enzyme malique

Abstract

Four copepod species (Acartia clausi, Centropages typicus, Temora stylifera, Calanus helgolandicus) from the northwest Mediterranean were subjected to electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel in an attempt to distinguish specific biochemical characteristics for each species. Enzymograms of 5 enzymes were studied: esterases, leucine aminopeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, malate dehydrogenase and the malic enzyme. Marked interspecific differences were revealed, enabling specific biochemical identities to be established which can be useful as taxonomic criteria in the same way as morphological characteristics. The study was performed during different seasons in 1980.