Algae. 1996; 11(3): 333-340.
The Use of FITC-Lectin Labelling in Characterizing Strains of Conjugatophyceae
A. Rowe, V. Lopez-Rodas, E. Costas
Genetica, Produccion Animal, Facultad veterinaria, Universidad Complutense
ABSTRACT
FITC-labelled lectins successfully characterized different laboratory strains of Spirogyra insignis according to their individual and distinct lectin binding reactions. Lectin binding patterns could additionally be used to gauge genetic variability in the Conjugatophycean species Spirogyra insignis and Zygnema commune in nature. Temporal and spatial variation was suggested by alterations in the percentage occurrence of and the appearance and subsequent disappearance of distinct lectin binding patterns during the sampling periods and between reservoirs. IN addition, the asexual/sexual reproduction rated was measured. suggesting a clonal structure for these Conjugatophycean species in nature. FITC-lectin labelling appears to be a rapid and successful tool to detect genetic variability within species.
Keywords :
Conjugatophycean, genetic variability, lectins, spatial variation, Spirogyra insignis, temporal variation, Zygnema commune