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Science 15 October 1971:
Vol. 174. no. 4006, pp. 293 - 295
DOI: 10.1126/science.174.4006.293
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Articles

Chemoreception in Nassarius obsoletus: The Role of Specific Stimulatory Proteins

Samuel Gurin 1 and William E. Carr 1

1 Departments of Biochemistry and Zoology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32601

Proteins in human plasma and oyster fluid induce a strong feeding response in the marine snail Nassarius obsoletus. Purified human serum albumin induces a 50 percent positive response at concentrations of 1 to 2 x 10-9 molar. Adsorbed fatty acids markedly decrease the effectiveness of albumin. From oyster fluid a major glycoprotein has been isolated which accounts for essentially the entire stimulatory activity of the fluid and is effective at concentrations of approximately 1 to 2 x 10-10 molar. These findings provide evidence that specific proteins in extremely low concentrations may play a major role in chemoreception in aquatic animals.

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)