Modulation of the free amino
acid pool and protein content in populations of the brine shrimp Artemia
spp.
S. Helland, G. V. Triantaphyllidis, H. J. Fyhn, M. S.
Evjen, P. Lavens, P. Sorgeloos -2000
Marine Biology, 137 (5/6): 1005-1016
Abstract: Free amino acid (FAA) and protein content
were measured in various developmental stages of Artemia franciscana,
from cysts to Instar III metanauplii. In addition, decapsulated cysts of 15 Artemia
populations from different localities were compared with respect to their
FAA and protein content. Furthermore, the content and composition of the FAA
pool were modulated by hatching the cysts at various salinities, and by
enriching the nauplii with algae or a lipid-enrichment emulsion. The FAA
content increased threefold from cysts to nauplii, and Instar III
metanauplii contained nearly 50% taurine of total FAA. Cysts of A.
franciscana were found to contain one-third the amount of FAA compared
to the other Artemia species investigated. The content and pool
composition of FAA was successfully modulated in 11 of 13 populations, where
by the content of FAA was significantly increased when hatched at high
salinity. Finally, enrichment elevated the content of FAA and changed the
pool composition, thereby showing a dietary effect. Algal enrichment also
increased the protein content.
(Department of Zoology, University of Bergen, Allègt.
41, 5027 Bergen, Norway Fax: +47-55-584450 e-mail: synnove.helland@ifm.uib.no)