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Effects of contaminants on the frequencies of allozymes in populations of the central stoneroller
Author(s) -
Gillespie Robert B.,
Guttman Sheldon I.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620080407
Subject(s) - phosphoglucomutase , biology , genotype , allele , malate dehydrogenase , genetic diversity , genetics , genotype frequency , zoology , allele frequency , population , enzyme , gene , biochemistry , demography , sociology
Allele and genotype frequencies for allozymes of phosphoglucomutase (PGM) differed significantly between populations of the central stoneroller ( Campostoma anomalum , Rafinesque) collected from sites above and below impact from industrial activities. The frequencies of the PGM‒A allele and PGM‒AA and PGM‒AB genotypes were significantly less in populations of stoneroller minnows collected from impacted sites than in populations upstream of impact. Stonerollers with these sensitive PGM genotypes and stonerollers with genotypes of malate dehydrogenase MDH‒BB were more sensitive to the toxic effects of copper sulfate than other genotypes under laboratory conditions. These results suggest that individuals with certain allozymes may be more sensitive to the toxic effects of environmental contaminants than those with other genotypes. Selection or elimination of individuals with sensitive genotypes by contaminants may result in a narrowing of genetic diversity in populations and thus increase the susceptibility of these populations to further stress. Electrophoretic determination of genetic structure in fishes appears to be sensitive to changes in water quality and may be a useful tool for monitoring the health of aquatic populations.