Genetic and Metabolic Variability between Two Subspecies of Chamaeleo chamaeleon (Reptilia: Chamaeleonidae) in Egypt

The degree of variability between two subspecies of Chamaeleo chamaeleon; C. chamaeleon chamaeleon inhabiting El-Dabaa (MarsaMatrouh) and C. chamaeleon musae inhabiting El-Arish (North Sinai) of Egypt was investigated in this study using polyacrylamide gel electrophoreses for Lactate dehydrogenase (Ldh) and Alfa-esterase (α-Est) isoenzymes. Total lipids and proteins of liver and muscle tissues in both species were analyzed. Three Ldh isoforms were recorded for both subspecies and the activity. Rate of flow (RF) of Ldh-1 seemed to be higher in C. chamaeleon chamaeleon than in C. chamaeleon musae. This high activity could be supported by the significant increase in the total lipids and proteins in liver and muscle tissues of this species. It may thus be reasonable to suppose that C. chamaeleon chamaeleon is more active, energetic and adaptable in its habitat than C. chamaeleon musae. The α-Est showed four fractions in both subspecies. The null variations in the activity of α-Ests in the studied tissue may indicate, to some extent, the safety of the diet applied to both subspecies of chameleons.