Electrophoretic variability in the phosphatase system of the yellow-fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti.

Alkaline and acid phosphatases in five inbred strains of the yellow-fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, were compared by vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 1. Polymorphic and monomorphic zones of enzyme activity were observed among both alkaline and acid phosphatases. 2. In the alkaline phosphatase system, seven electrophoretic zones of enzyme activity were detected; all but two of the seven zones showed electrophoretic variability. 3. In the acid phosphatase system, four electrophoretic zones of enzyme activity were detected; all but one of the four zones showed electrophoretic variability. 4. Absence of enzyme activity was observed in some zones and strains among both alkaline and acid phosphatases.