The amylase system of Drosophila. III. Biochemical comparison of amylases from D. pseudoobscura, D. persimilis, D. miranda and D. melanogaster

Abstract

1. 1. Six amylases from four species of Drosophila were compared in terms of specific activities, pH optima, substrate specificities, inhibitor sensitivities, responses to temperature, heat sensitivities, and cross-reactivity to amylase antiserum. 2. 2. The amylases studied were as follows: Amy 1.00 and Amy 0.84 from D. pseudoobscura; Amy 1.00 and Amy 1.09 from D. persimilis; Amy 1.43 from D. miranda; and Amy 6 from D. melanogaster. 3. 3. Both crude extracts and partially purified preparations were studied for some of the amylases. 4. 4. The amylases, in general, appeared quite similar to other amylases of Drosophila and were similar for most of their biochemical properties. Differences were observed, however, especially in regard to cross-reactivity to D. pseudoobscura Amy 1.00 antiserum. 5. 5. These similarities and differences were discussed in relation to the ecological differences and the evolutionary (phylogenetic) relationships of the four species. 6. 6. Crude extract results corresponded, in general, to the results from the partially purified preparations. However, enough differences were observed to warrant caution when using crude extracts in attempting to characterize Drosophila amylases.