An examination of the population genetics of Laminaria and other brown algae in the laminariales using starch gel electrophoresis

A starch gel electrophoresis technique was developed and used to examine geographically diverse populations of Laminaria saccharina and Laminaria lonicruris, Laminaria digitalis, Laminaria groenlandica, Agarum cribrosum, Alaria esculenta, Chorda tomentosa and Macrocystis pyrifera. The method provided scorable bands for 20 enzymes. There was a very low level of enzyme polymorphism both within and between populations. Only 3-5 loci were polymorphic. The results were consistent with those obtained by molecular genetic techniques in Laminaria. The Laminaria species were genetically extremely conservative compared to other divisions of plants. There are 50 references.