Variation of Protein Band Pattern on the Skin Secretions of Chalcorana chalconota (Schlegel, 1837) Complex

Abstract

Background and Objective: Chalcorana chalconota is a complex frog species in West Sumatra which has been revised and designated as Chalcorana parvaccola and Chalcorana rufipes based on several studies such as morphology and genetics. Other studies such as protein band patterns can be a marker to differentiate species. This research was done to determine and prove the variations of protein band patterns found in skin secretions of the C. chalconota species complex. Materials and Methods: Frog samples were collected in the Pasia Laweh area, Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra. The standard length measurement of the frog was carried out to determine the voltage that will be applied to the frog using an electric shock device (TAS/transcutaneous amphibian stimulator) in the process of removing the frog's skin secretions. Frog skin secretions were taken and used to see the pattern of protein bands using the SDS-PAGE method. Results: The protein band patterns of skin secretions of C. chalconota species complex were different between C. parvaccola and C. rufipes. In the skin secretions of C. parvaccola, there were eight protein bands with a molecular weight ranging between 12-103 kDa while for C. rufipes there were seven protein bands with a molecular weight ranging between 12-102 kDa. There were six protein bands shared by these two species. Two bands were only found in the skin secretions of C. parvaccola and one band was only found in C. rufipes. Conclusion: Pattern and molecular weight of protein in C. parvaccola and C. rufipes skin secretions can be used as protein markers to distinguish the two species.