CALORESPIROMETRY AND SPECTROPHOTOMETRY OF THE CILIATED GILL OF THE MARINE MUSSEL MYTILUS-EDULIS (L)

The energy metabolism of the ciliated gill of the marine mussel Mytilus edulis (L.) was studied under different conditions of energy supply and demand, using calorespirometry and spectrophotometry. When ciliary beat frequency was increased approximately two-fold at 30-155 Torr pO2 (4-20.7 kPa), metabolic rate nearly doubled. Metabolism remained aerobic and dissipative, with very little anaerobic capacity. Mitochondrial cytochrome reduction showed the same sensitivity to pO2 as metabolic rate, whether gills had basally active or stimulated cilia. These methods will be useful to determine the effects of natural stresses and aquatic pollutants on the control of energy flux in working ciliated tissues. © 1990.