Exploration of Genetic Diversity of Momordica charantia L. by SDS-PAGE Analysis

Abstract

Momordica charantia L. is cultivated throughout the world more due to its medicinal potential along with nutritional importance. Genetic diversity assessment is among the prime requirements in order to study the potential of any plant species. Moreover, selection of most diverse germplasm may also lead towards improvement in its productivity. Therefore, the study was commenced to explore the genetic diversity of thirty-one M. charantia accessions from 11 different countries of the world by Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Allelic variation of 13 protein bands was observed on the gel, with molecular weights ranging from 11-120 kDa. Among them, the medicinally valued proteins with molecular weights 11 kDa (anti-hyperglycemic) and 30 kDa (anti-HIV) were found to be the abundant, showing the importance of the selected germplasm. Similarities and dissimilarities among the accessions were explored by making correlation and cluster analysis. Maximum genetic diversity was found in accessions TOT6001 (Taiwan) and TOT4150 (Viet Nam), while minimum diversity was found in accession TOT0950 (Thailand).