HISTOCHEMISTRY OF THE BUCCO-ESOPHAGEAL GLANDS OF MYTILUS-EDULIS - THE IMPORTANCE OF MUCUS IN INGESTION

Histochemical techniques were used to investigate the possible role of the bucco-oesophageal glands in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis L. (Mollusca: Bivalvia). No activity was observed for any of the eight major digestive enzymes tested; however, the glands contained large amounts of both neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides. These results confirm the importance of mucus in the ingestive process in M. edulis, and do not support the hypothesis of ingestion of particles suspended in water alone.