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- Title
Enzymes of energy metabolism in hatchlings of amazonian freshwater turtles (Testudines, Podocnemididae).
- Authors
Duncan, W. P.; Marcon, J. L.
- Abstract
The metabolic profiles of selected tissues were analyzed in hatchlings of the Amazonian freshwater turtles Podocnemis expansa, P. unifilis and P. sextuberculata. Metabolic design in these species was judged based on the key enzymes of energy metabolism, with special emphasis on carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and ketone body metabolism. All species showed a high glycolytic potential in all sampled tissues. Based on low levels of hexokinase, glycogen may be an important fuel for these species. The high lactate dehydrogenase activity in the liver may play a significant role in carbohydrate catabolism, possibly during diving. Oxidative metabolism in P sextuberculata appears to be designed for the use of lipids, amino acids and ketone bodies. The maximal activities of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, glutamine dehydroganase, alanine aminotransfarase and succinyl-CoA keto transferase display high aerobic potential, especially in muscle and liver tissues of this species. Although amino acids and ketone bodies may be important fuels for oxidative metabolism, carbohydrates and lipids are the major fuels used by P. expansa and P unifilis. Our results are consistent with the food habits and lifestyle of Amazonian freshwater turtles. The metabolic design, based on enzyme activities, suggests that hatchlings of P. unifilis and P. expansa are predominately herbivorous, whereas P sextuberculata rely on a mixed diet of animal matter and vegetation.
- Subjects
ENZYMES; ENERGY metabolism; GLYCOGEN; CARBOHYDRATE metabolism; ANIMAL feeding behavior; TURTLES; PODOCNEMIS unifilis; PODOCNEMIS expansa
- Publication
Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2009, Vol 69, Issue 2, p319
- ISSN
1519-6984
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1590/S1519-69842009000200012