Effect of chromium on protein metabolism of fresh water mussel, Lamellidens marginalis.

ABSTRACT

Effect of sub-lethal concentration of chromium was studied on the protein metabolism in adductor muscle, gill and mantle tissues of fresh water mussel, Lamellidens marginalis. Total proteins and RNA showed a decrease while free amino acids and protease activity showed an increase. Alanine and Aspartate aminotransferase activities showed an increase, while GDH activity showed a decrease. It may be suggested that the proteins are degraded and the amino acids are incorporated into TCA cycle to augment the energy needs of the organism due to chromium toxicity.