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Thermal independence of muscle tissue metabolism in the leatherback turtle, Dermochelys coriacea
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Thermal independence of muscle tissue metabolism in the leatherback turtle, Dermochelys coriacea

David N Penick, James R Spotila, Michael P O’Connor, Anthony C Steyermark, Robert H George, Christopher J Salice and Frank V Paladino
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology, v 120(3), pp 399-403
1998
PMID: 9787823

Abstract

Tissue metabolism Temperature Endangered species Thermal compensation Dermochelys coriacea Muscle Sea turtle Chelonia mydas
Metabolic rates of animal tissues typically increase with increasing temperature and thermoregulatory control in an animal is a regional or whole body process. Here we report that metabolic rates of isolated leatherback turtle ( Dermochelys coriacea) pectoralis muscle are independent of temperature from 5–38°C ( Q 10=1). Conversely, metabolic rates of green turtle ( Chelonia mydas) pectoralis muscle exhibit a typical vertebrate response and increase with increasing temperature ( Q 10=1.3–3.0). Leatherbacks traverse oceanic waters with dramatic temperature differences during their migrations from sub-polar to equatorial regions. The metabolic stability of leatherback muscle effectively uncouples resting muscle metabolism from thermal constraints typical of other vertebrate tissues. Unique muscle physiology of leatherbacks has important implications for understanding vertebrate muscle function, and is another strong argument for preservation of this endangered species.

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