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Science 29 May 1981:
Vol. 212. no. 4498, pp. 1038 - 1040
DOI: 10.1126/science.212.4498.1038
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Articles

Polyphenolic Substance of Mytilus edulis: Novel Adhesive Containing L-Dopa and Hydroxyproline

J. HERBERT WAITE 1 and MARVIN L. TANZER 1

1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06032

The fouling marine mussel Mytilus edulis attaches itself to various substrates by spinning byssal threads, the adhesive discs of which are rich in the amino acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa). An acid-soluble protein was extracted and purified from the phenol gland located in the byssus-secreting foot of the animal. This protein is highly basic and contains large amounts of lysine, dopa, and 3- and 4-hydroxyproline. The composition of this protein and its sticky tendencies in vitro strongly suggest that it contributes to byssal adhesion.

Submitted on December 5, 1980
Revised on February 6, 1981


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