Multiple Forms of Enzymes in Ontogeny

Abstract

Multiple gene loci and their dependent isoenzymes provide means for the adaptation of metabolic patterns to the changing needs of different organs and tissues in the course of normal development, or in response to environmental change Pathological changes, also, may be associated with alterations in the activities of specific isoenzymes. Both physiological and pathological alterations in isoenzyme patterns are important, not only for the insights they provide into normal and abnormal metabolism, but also in the use of isoenzyme studies in medicine. Changes in the characteristics and distribution of multiple forms of enzymes which are not under genetic control occur in some cells as an accompaniment of ageing.