Evolution of cauliflower types grown in Great Britain as indicated by the isoenzyme composition of the cauliflower curds

Summary The curds of cauliflowers (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) which are representative of the European biennials, European annuals and Australian types were used to extract 12 of the enzymes involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Each enzyme was separated into their isoenzymes using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Two enzymes, acid phosphatase EC 3.1.3.2. and aspartate aminotransferase EC 2.6.1.1. were shown to have different numbers of isoenzymes depending upon which of the three main groups of cauliflower cultivars were used. The enzymes examined showed evolutionary divergence of the cauliflower types during the selection for different times of development.