The protein patterns of 47 Centaurea species from Turkey were obtained using SDS-PAGE methods. Relationships between Centaurea species and related genera were evaluated via use of a dendrogram. SDS-PAGE provided protein profiles for an important and applicable selection within Centaurea, particularly for the section Cheirolepis and its relatives. We determined that the technique could be used to resolve taxonomic and evolutionary problems in the genus Centaurea, as most of the Centaurea species studied exhibited special protein profiles and patterns. © TÜBİTAK.