ISOZYME POLYMORPHISM IN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF A LIVERWORT, PLAGIOCHILA ASPLENIOIDES

Abstract

Assays of 5 Polish populations of P. asplenioides (Hepaticae, Plagiochilaceae) for peroxidase isozymes revealed 3 bands differing in electrophoretic mobility. The phenotypes observed apparently are governed by 3 loci; each locus has 2 alleles, one of which produces a band and the other no band, i.e., the 2nd allele is silent, or null. Marked variability in enzyme phenotypes was found both within and between populations. The evolutionary implications of this variability are discussed in terms of the persistent haplophase and ephemeral diplophase of this organism.