The sub-unit composition of the haemoglobins of the atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

1. 1. Seventeen electrophoretically distinct haemoglobins have been observed in haemolysates of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). 2. 2. The sub-units comprising these haemoglobins have been separated by electrophoresis in 8 M urea at pH 3.5. At least seven distinct sub-units are evident. 3. 3. The anodal and cathodal groups of haemoglobins (see refs. 1-3) do not contain any sub-units in common, and they appear to differ in their dissociation in vitro. The anodal haemoglobins dissociate to a lesser extent than the cathodal ones. 4. 4. The sub-unit composition of the individual anodal haemoglobins is determined and many of them are hybrid molecules of the type α₂β^xβ^y. 5. 5. The genetics, ontogeny and evolutionary origin of multiple haemoglobins in the salmon are discussed.