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Thermal dependence of tissue metabolism in the green turtle, Chelonia mydas
Journal article

Thermal dependence of tissue metabolism in the green turtle, Chelonia mydas

David N. Penick, Frank V. Paladino, Anthony C. Steyermark and James R. Spotila
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. A, Comparative physiology, v 113(3)
1996

Abstract

Chelonia mydas endangered species green turtle thermal dependence thermoregulation Tissue metabolic rate
To better understand how tissue specific metabolic rates might contribute to the maintenance of elevated body temperatures in green turtles ( Chelonia mydas), we determined the effect of temperature on oxygen consumption of green fat, small intestine, nonswimming skeletal muscle, pectoralis muscle, liver, heart, and kidney tissues from 5–35°C. We found a direct relationship between tissue metabolic rate (microliters of O 2/g wet mass per hour) and temperature in all tissues measured except for green fat. The Q 10 values ranged from 0.65 to 3.38. There were significant differences in metabolic rate among tissues as well as in how temperature influenced tissue metabolic rates. Tissue metabolic rates were highest in kidney and heart tissues. Green fat and small intestine had the lowest and most temperature-insensitive values. Muscle tissue had a high oxygen consumption relative to other reptiles, and this elevated metabolism may provide a functional advantage for long distance swimming and heat production.

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23 citations in Scopus

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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#15 Life on Land
#13 Climate Action

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Physiology
Zoology
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