Isozyme polymorphism of esterases in the genus Lanistes (Mollusca:Prosobranchiata) and genetic analysis of populations.

Esterases from the digestive gland of the snails Lanistes carinatus and Lanistes bolteni collected from Egyptian governorates were extracted and analyzed using starch gel electrophoresis and five substrates. Twelve esterase bands were detected in both Lanistes species. The esterase bands were distributed in three main zones, which could be classified as acetylesterases, carboxylesterases, and cholinesterases. Depending on the substrates specificity, inhibition properties, and relative mobility of esterase bands, the three zones of esterase activity could be traced to eight genetic loci. Locality-specific loci were found. Inter- and intrapopulation variations are discussed. There is an absence of equilibria at all esterase loci in all populations studied, and a high proportion of genetic diversity in different esterase loci. The absence of interspecific variations proves that Lanistes snails in Egypt belong to one species.