ISSN:
1432-136X
Keywords:
d-Alanine
;
Chemoautotrophic symbiosis
;
Lucinidae
;
Clam, Lucinoma
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The chemoautotrophic symbiont-bearing clam Lucinoma aequizonata contains very high levels of free d-alanine in all tissues. The possible sources for this amino acid and its involvement in the clams' metabolism were investigated. Very low levels of d-alanine (generally below 1 μmol·l-1) were measured in the sediment porewaters from the habitat of the clams. Experiments with 14C-labeled tracers demonstrate an active metabolism of d-alanine in the clams rather than a role as inert waste product. d-alanine is metabolized at about 0.12 μmol·g fw-1·h-1. Label from aspartate, but not glucose and CO2, is incorporated into d-alanine. Incubation with labeled d-alanine did not result in formation of radioactive l-alanine. Tests for alanine racemase (EC 5.1.1.1) and d-amino acid oxidase (EC 1.4.3.3.) did not show activity in either gill, i.e. symbiont and host, or foot tissue. d-Alanine amino transferase (EC 2.6.1.b.) was demonstrated in gill and foot tissues. Two sources for d-alanine are proposed: a degradation of cell walls of symbiotic bacteria and production by the host using a d-specific alanine transaminase.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00261397
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