THE ROLE OF TISSUES IN THE ANAEROBIC METABOLISM OF THE MUSSEL ANODONTA HALLENBECKII LEA

Abstract

Tissues of Anodonta hallenbeckii are capable of buffering carbon dioxide accumulating during anaerobiosis. Calcium compounds present in gill and mantle serve as an alkali reserve. During anaerobiosis carbon dioxide increased in the tissues studied while the hydrogen ion concentration remained constant. It is concluded that accumulated carbon dioxide was buffered by calcium present. Gills contain large amounts of calcium which is present in some form other than carbonate. Kidney tissue showed a very high rate of respiration. Mantle and gill showed low rates. After anaerobic periods the rate of respiration showed a tendency to increase. This may be taken as evidence that these tissues continued to do work during anaerobiosis.