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Differences in the digestive biochemistry between the intertidal clam, Ruditapes decussatus, and the subtidal clam, Venerupis pullastra

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Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate differences in physicochemical characteristics (pH and temperature optima) of the main digestive enzymes (amylase, cellulase, laminarinase, and protease) in two commercially important bivalves, the intertidal clam, Ruditapes decussatus, and the subtidal clam, Venerupis pullastra, as well to assess individual variability of such activities. The assays were performed on extracts obtained from the digestive glands and crystalline styles of individuals collected in the wild and laboratory-conditioned during 1 week. In both species, maximum activity for amylase and cellulase was measured at pH 6 and that of laminarinase at pH 5.5, while pH profiles of protease activity showed important differences between them. Temperature profiles also showed interspecific variations, mainly in laminarinase. Carbohydrase activities were comparatively much higher in R. decussatus and proteolytic activities in V. pullastra. The observed differences both in physicochemical characteristics and relative importance of digestive enzymes are discussed in relation to the amount and type of food available in their respective habitats.

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Abbreviations

EX:

Excitation

EM:

Emission

FTC:

Fluorescein-thiocarbamoyl casein

RFU:

Relative fluoresecence units

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Antonia Barros, Pilar Espiñeira, and Manuel Villanueva for their technical assistance. This research has been funded by the Plan Nacional de I + D + I (2000–2003) of the Secretaría de Política Científica y Tecnológica (Spain), project number AGL 2002-01069.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, C/Varadero, 1, S. Pedro del Pinatar, 30740, Murcia, Spain

    M. Albentosa

  2. Dpto. Biología Aplicada, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Univ. Almería, 04120, Almeria, Spain

    F. J. Moyano

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  1. M. Albentosa
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  2. F. J. Moyano
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Correspondence to F. J. Moyano.

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Albentosa, M., Moyano, F.J. Differences in the digestive biochemistry between the intertidal clam, Ruditapes decussatus, and the subtidal clam, Venerupis pullastra . Aquacult Int 17, 273–282 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-008-9199-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-008-9199-1

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