Copper induced alterations in total carbohydrate and protein levels in bivalve Sunetta scripta (Bivalvia)

Abstract

On exposure to higher concentrations of copper (0.3 to 1 ppm), a decline in carbohydrate level was noticed in Sunetta scripta only after prolonged exposure. The significantly higher protein levels in 0.3 ppm and 0.5 ppm copper exposed clams indicated the synthesis of metal binding protein. The digestive gland being the seat of intense biosynthetic activity, elevated protein levels in the tissue indicated its importance in the detoxification of toxic metals and the rapid turn over of metal binding protein from this organ and redistribution to other tissues. Binding of metals to such proteins accounted for the apparent indifference of the organism to high metal concentrations in the tissues. Metal binding proteins protect the organism from the toxic effect of metal and their presence can explain the high concentrations noticed in S. scripta.