ABSTRACT
Identification of different shellfish species using SDS-Page electrophoresis and image densitometric scanning of soluble protein patterns was performed on Pacific coast scallops (Pink and Sea scallops), clams (Little Neck and Manila), Pacific coast oysters (Medium Beach, Tray and Royal Miyagi) and Atlantic coast oyster (Blue Point). Electrophoresis conditions were standardized to use 12% polyacrylamide gels, and the adductor muscle as the organ of choice for soluble protein profile analysis. Soluble protein markers with molecular weights of 46 kD for Pink and Sea scallops and 21 and 25 kD for clam proteins. Different soluble protein profiles were identified in Pacific coast oysters (20 kD, 43 kD and 87 kD) and Atlantic coast oysters (24 kD, 34 kD and 47 kD). This study shows the potential usefulness of SDS gel electrophoresis with image densitometry of electrophoretograms for identifying different shellfish species.
