testing for tyrosinase

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Posted by dg on August 28, 1999 at 00:16:02:

In Reply to: Re: snow corn x albino black rat hybrid (pic) posted by Paul Hollander on August 27, 1999 at 18:19:06:

:
: : Paul,
: : Where is the proof that the T- albino is actually T-? Other than "because everyone says it SHOULD look that way," do you have any data? A harder question would be on the T+.

: Bern Bechtel did a paper in the Journal of Heredity sometime in 1985 about black rat snake mutants. He said that there were two independent albino mutants in the BRS, a tyrosinase negative and a tyrosinase positive albino. Bechtel has tested the amelanistic corn snake and determined that it is tyrosinase negative. I don't have the reference handy, but it is in the bibliography at the end of one of the chapters in Bechtels reptile and amphibian variants book.

: Paul Hollander

Hello,
In order to determine if a specimen is either T+ or T-, there is a biochemical test called the DOPA reaction. In this test, a sample of albino skin is subjected to DOPA, or dihydroxyphenylalanine (WHEW!Had to look that one up!) DOPA is an intermediate "ingredient" in the production of melanin. Prior to exposure to DOPA, the epidermal melanophores in the sample of albino skin should be clear. If tyrosinase is present, after subjecting the sample to DOPA, the result will be that the "melanin" is deposited in the melanophores and they become visible. On the contrary, if the animal lacks tyrosinase, the melanophores will remain "clear."

Later,
dg

P.S - As you suggested, Dr. Bechtel's book on amphibian and reptile color variants has more info on the mechanics of melanin production in reptiles and the DOPA reaction.

Elaphe obsoleta

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: : : : : Paul, : : : Where is the proof that the T- albino is actually T-? Other than "because everyone says it SHOULD look that way," do you have any data? A harder question would be on the T+. : : Bern Bechtel did a paper in the Journal of Heredity sometime in 1985 about black rat snake mutants. He said that there were two independent albino mutants in the BRS, a tyrosinase negative and a tyrosinase positive albino. Bechtel has tested the amelanistic corn snake and determined that it is tyrosinase negative. I don't have the reference handy, but it is in the bibliography at the end of one of the chapters in Bechtels reptile and amphibian variants book. : : Paul Hollander : Hello, : In order to determine if a specimen is either T+ or T-, there is a biochemical test called the DOPA reaction. In this test, a sample of albino skin is subjected to DOPA, or dihydroxyphenylalanine (WHEW!Had to look that one up!) DOPA is an intermediate "ingredient" in the production of melanin. Prior to exposure to DOPA, the epidermal melanophores in the sample of albino skin should be clear. If tyrosinase is present, after subjecting the sample to DOPA, the result will be that the "melanin" is deposited in the melanophores and they become visible. On the contrary, if the animal lacks tyrosinase, the melanophores will remain "clear." : Later, : dg : P.S - As you suggested, Dr. Bechtel's book on amphibian and reptile color variants has more info on the mechanics of melanin production in reptiles and the DOPA reaction.

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testing for tyrosinase

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