Biochemical characterization of two sibling species in the liverwort Pellia epiphylla (L.) Corda (Hepaticae, Pelliaceae)

Abstract

Two sibling species in the Pellia epiphylla (L.) Corda (n=9) complex, viz. Pellia epiphylla sp. N and Pellia epiphylla sp. S were compared in their protein concentration and in the dynamics and also in relative activity of some enzymes: malate dehydrogenase (MDH), esterase (EST), peroxidase (PX) and aspartate aminotransferase (GOT). Serological properties of their antigens were studied as well. Activity of malate dehydrogenase, esterase and aspartate aminotransferase was significantly higher in clons of Pellia epiphylla N than Pellia epiphylla S. Some differences in soluble protein concentration and in the quantities of the AI to AIV antigens between the two sibling species were detected.

Keywords

• Hepaticae
• Pellia epiphylla (n=9) complex
• sibling species
• biochemical variation