This work presents a review of the use of enzymes as molecular markers for evolutionary studies, in particular population genetics. First, the methodology of starch electrophoresis is shown as a useful tool To detect variation within and among populations. Second, applications to evolutionary biology are presented. In plants these markers have been used for 1] to study mating systems, 2] do phylogenetics and taxonomy, 3] study natural selection components, 4] to correlate genetics and life history characters and 5] understand the origin and evolution of cultivated plants and their wild relatives