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Science 18 July 1986:
Vol. 233. no. 4761, pp. 354 - 356
DOI: 10.1126/science.233.4761.354
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Articles

Differential Reflex Activity Determines Claw and Closer Muscle Asymmetry in Developing Lobsters

C. K. GOVIND 1 and JOANNE PEARCE 1

1 Life Sciences Division, Scarborough Campus, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough MIC 1A4, Ontario, Canada

The paired claws and closer muscles of the lobster, Homarus americanus, are identical in the early juvenile stages, but subsequently differentiate into a stout crusher claw with only slow fibers and a slender cutter with largely fast fibers. Rearing with different substrates or exercise of the claws revealed that claw laterality is determined in the central nervous system by differential reflex activity in the paired claws; the side with greater activity becomes the crusher, while the contralateral side becomes the cutter.

Submitted on January 16, 1986
Accepted on May 5, 1986


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Effects of Manipulated Diet on Size and Performance of Brachyuran Crab Claws.
L. D. Smith and A. R. Palmer (1994)
Science 264, 710-712
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