Leucine Aminopeptidase Polymorphism in the Genus Lupinus (Leguminosae)

Abstract

Both inter- and intraspecific isoenzyme polymorphism among four species of the genus Lupinus (L. caudatus Kell., L. lepidus Dougl., L. lyalli A. Gray, and L. nanus Dougl.) are demonstrated for the enzyme leucine aminopeptidase. A one- or two-gene model (depending on the species) best describes the observed enzyme banding patterns. Only in the case of L. nanus did adequate sampling permit the postulation of an allelic model to describe the enzyme patterns observed. An evolutionary relationship among the examined species is proposed which is consistent with the postulated genetic basis of the observed isoenzyme patterns, and this is compared with their generally accepted taxonomic arrangement.