SEM of seed coat surface and SDS-PAGE of seed protein criteria in certain taxa of the Primulaceae

Abstract

SEM of seed coat surface and SDS-PAGE of seed protein criteria were used to re-assess the taxonomic relationships between 12 species belonging to three genera of Primulaceae, viz. Cyclamen L. (one species), Lysimachia L. (five species) and Primula L. (six species). The data obtained, in addition to other characters available in the literature, were analyzed by the NTSYS-pc. Program package using the UPGMA clustering method. It was found that, there was a considerable divergence between Cyclamen and each of Lysimachia and Primula on one hand and the close relationship between the latter two taxa on the other hand. Lysimachia and Primula were considered to be less evolved and have a common origin while Cyclamen might be regarded as regarded as more advanced. A close relationship between each of Lysimachia lichiangensis Thunb. & L. verticillata Bieb., L. ephemerum (Gray) Hbd. & L. punctata L., Primula elatior (L.) Hill & P. veris L., and P. auricula L. & P. japonica Gray. was recorded. The variations in SDS-PAGE of seed protein profiles are compatible with the morphological variations exhibited in these taxa. The validity of using the seed protein electrophoretic criteria as taxonomic evidence in the Primulaceae was referred to.