Molecular size of enzymes in Trypanosoma cruzi considered in relationship to the genetic interpretation of isozyme patterns.

The molecular size of seven Trypanosoma cruzi enzymes, chosen because of their frequent use in studying trypanosome populations, has been found to be similar to that of their mammalian equivalents. Malic enzyme (NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase, decarboxylating, EC 1.1.1.40) from T. cruzi has an apparent molecular size of only half that of the mammalian enzyme. The probable subunit structure of these T. cruzi enzymes has been deduced from the molecular weights by comparison with mammalian data. The results are compatible with recent interpretations of isozyme data implying the existence of genetic diploidy in trypanosomes.