The Mollusca, Volume 2: Environmental Biochemistry and Physiology provides information pertinent to the advances in the traditional areas of biochemistry and in other developed areas that have become a part of molluskan biochemistry. This book discusses the developments in the various aspects of molecular biomechanics and environmental biochemistry. Organized into 10 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the comparative studies of the structure–function relationships in molluskan oxygen carriers. This text then describes the specific types and classes of molluskan respiratory proteins. Other chapters consider the nature and distribution of respiratory proteins in mollusks. This book discusses as well the oxygen equilibrium properties of gastropod hemocyanins. The final chapter deals with host–symbiont interactions in mollusks. This book is a valuable resource for researchers of the Mollusca and other phyla, as well as to teachers and qualified graduate students. Biochemists and physiologists will also find this book useful.

Table of Contents:
Contributors General Preface Preface Contents of Other Volumes 1. Respiratory Pigments: Structure and Function I. Introduction II. Distribution of Molluscan Oxygen Carriers III. General Considerations of the Oxygen-Binding Process IV. Molluscan Myoglobins V. Molluscan Hemoglobins VI. Molluscan Hemocyanins References 2. Blood Respiratory Properties in Marine Gastropods I. Introduction II. The Oxygen Carrier III. Cooperativity IV. Oxygen Affinity V. Root Shift VI. Summary and Perspectives References 3. Osmolytes and Metabolic End Products of Molluscs: The Design of Compatible Solute Systems I. Introduction II. Composition of the Cytosol of Marine Molluscs III. Solute Effects and Noneffects on Protein Structure and Function IV. Mechanisms of Solute Action V. Regulation of Compatible Solute Concentrations VI. Evolutionary Considerations References 4. Metal Ions: Metabolic and Toxic Effects I. Introduction II. Epithelial Uptake Systems III. Blood Transport Systems IV. Cellular Storage Systems V. Cellular Detoxification Systems VI. Fluxes and Compartments VII. Perspectives References 5. Developmental and Seasonal Metabolic Activities in Marine Molluscs I. Introduction II. Larval Development and Metamorphosis III. Reproduction and Seasonal Biochemical Cycles IV. Metabolic Pathways References 6. Metabolic and Enzyme Adaptation to Temperature and Pressure I. Introduction II. Evolutionary Rate Compensation to Temperature III. Thermal Compensation Associated with a Period of Adaptation IV. Metabolic Adaptation to Short-Term (Acute) Temperature Change V. Thermoregulation VI. Metabolic and Enzyme Adaptation to Pressure References 7. Molluscan Bioluminescence I. Introduction II. The Chemistry of Bioluminescence References 8. Biochromy of the Mollusca I. Introduction II. Schemochromic or Structural Coloration III. Carotenoids IV. Tetrapyrroles V. Indole Pigments, Including Melanins VI. Nitrogenous, Metal-Complexed Molluscan Biochromes References 9. Biochemical Genetics and Adaptation in Molluscs I. Introduction II. Genetic Variation in Natural Populations of Molluscs III. Ecological Genetics of Aminopeptidase-I in Mytilus edulis IV. General Conclusions References 10. Biochemical Interactions Between Molluscs and their Algal and Bacterial Symbionts I. Introduction II. Photosynthetic Associations: Mollusc-Algae and Mollusc-Chloroplast Symbiosis III. Mollusc-Bacteria Associations in Wood-Eating Molluscs: Capacities for Cellulose Degradation, Nitrogen Fixation, and Essential Amino Acid Synthesis IV. Sulfide-Based Symbioses Between Sulfide-Oxidizing Bacteria and Bivalves V. Some Questions for Future Work References Index