Acid phosphatase during the life cycle of the nematode, panagrellus silusiae.

ABSTRACT

This study showed that there is a relationship between acid phosphatase levels and life cycle stages in the nematode, Panagrellus silusiae. Ten different isozymes of acid phosphatase were separated electrophoretically. Relative activity peaked at different stages in the life cycle for the different isozymes. Later in the life cycle, there is a general decrease in the relative activity of acid phosphatase itself, while there is a concurrent increase in the number of isozymes present. At least 97% of the acid phosphatase in P. silusiac is soluble (unbound). Acid phosphatase appears to be present in large quantities in the entire gastrointestinal tract, the excretory canals, and the reproductive system of mature Panagrellus silusiae.