Frequency-dependent selection due to kinetic differences between allozymes (original) (raw)

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• Published: 21 June 1979

Nature volume 279, pages 732–734 (1979) Cite this article

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Abstract

ENZYME polymorphisms detectable by gel electrophoresis are common in populations of animals, plants and microorganisms1–3. Often the enzymes coded for by alternative alleles differ in their kinetic properties4,5. Although the causes of enzyme polymorphism are much disputed5–7, there has been no systematic attempt to examine the possible selective consequences of kinetic differences between allozymes. We report here a theoretical study suggesting that in some circumstances kinetic differences lead to frequency-dependent selection, which is potentially capable of maintaining balanced polymorphism.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Genetics Research Unit, Queen's Medical Centre, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, UK
   BRYAN CLARKE & F. W. ALLENDORF
2. Department of Zoology, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, 59812
   F. W. ALLENDORF

Authors

1. BRYAN CLARKE
2. F. W. ALLENDORF

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CLARKE, B., ALLENDORF, F. Frequency-dependent selection due to kinetic differences between allozymes.Nature 279, 732–734 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1038/279732a0

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• Received: 19 March 1979
• Accepted: 10 May 1979
• Issue date: 21 June 1979
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/279732a0

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