Effects of copper on the uptake of amino acids, on protein synthesis and on ATP content in different tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam

The effects of sublethal concentrations of Cu ++ (0·08 ppm) on the uptake of amino acids, protein synthesis and ATP content in different tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis have been evaluated. It has been shown that the uptake of amino acids by the gills, digestive gland and mantle is reduced to 5–10% of the control value after 7 days of exposure to the metal. In the mussel tissues examined the rate of protein synthesis, as measured by following the incorporation of labelled amino acids into trichloroacetic acid-insoluble material, is also significantly reduced (to about 50–70%). Finally, evidence has also been presented showing that, within 7 days of exposure to Cu ++ ions, the ATP concentration in the mussel tissues is reduced to about 70–75%. From these results it is assumed that the decrease in protein metabolism in the copper-exposed mussels may represent a biochemical index of stress exerting a detrimental effect on growth and survival.