Soluble esterases of rohu and mrigal were characterised by electrophoresis
using different substrates and inhibitors. Four separable regions of esterolytic
activity were observed in liver, brain and white muscle extracts of rohu and
in three regions in mrigal, with liver of both species exhibiting maximum
number of bands. Species-specific differences were observed in some of the
regions. Striking substrate-specific reactions were not observed but based on
sensitivity to inhibitors, the liver esterases of both species were classified into
aryl, carboxyl, choline, ER and Esdp esterases
