Biosynthesis and role in osmoregulation of glycine-betaine in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis LMK.
Quaternary bases, for example glycine-betaine, are difficult to quantify in biological materials because of a lack of specificity. However, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can determine quaternary bases even in the presence of high water concentrations. Using NMR concentrations of glycine-betaine, the posterior adductor muscle of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis were measured up to 256 micromole/g dry weight. These concentrations were related to external salinity concentrations. The biosynthesis of glycine-betaine was demonstrated in M. galloprovincialis from the precursor (14)C choline.
de Vooys
C G N
CG
Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands. cdvooys@nioz.nl
Geenevasen
J A J
JA
D000818:Animals; D001622:Betaine / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D003470:Culture Media; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D011868:Radioisotopes; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
D003470:Culture Media; D011868:Radioisotopes; D001622:Betaine