Molluscs

The transport of oxygen in the hemolymph of many arth-ropod and mollusc species is mediated by large copper-proteins that are referred to as hemocyanins. Arthropod hemocyanins are composed of hexamers and oligomers of hexamers. Arachnid hemocyanins usually form 4·6-mers consisting of seven distinct subunit types (termed a–g), although in some spider taxa deviations from this standard scheme have been observed.

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Cone snails comprise
500 species of venomous molluscs, which have evolved the ability to generate multiple toxins with varied and often exquisite selectivity. One class, the a-conotoxins, is proving to be a powerful tool for the differentiation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These comprise a large family of complex subtypes, whose significance in physiological functions and pathological conditions is increasingly becoming apparent.

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Chitinase-like proteins have been identified in insects and mammals as non-enzymatic members of the glycoside hydrolase family 18. Recently, the first molluscan chitinase-like protein, namedCrassostrea gigas(Cg)-Clp1, was shown to control the proliferation and synthesis of extracellular matrix components of mammalian chondrocytes.

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Among molluscs, the shell biomineralization process is controlled by a set of extracellular macromolecular components secreted by the calcifying mantle. In spite of several studies, these components are mainly known in bivalves from only few members of pteriomorph groups.

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Several isoforms of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (C-subunit) were separated from the posterior adductor muscle and the mantle tissues of the sea mussel Mytilus galloprovincialisby cation exchange chromatography, and identified by: (a) protein kinase activity; (b) antibody recognition;

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The thermal stability of the eight functional units ofb-hemocyanin of the gastropodan mollusc Helix pomatiawas investigated by FTIR spectros-copy. Molluscan hemocyanin functional units have a molecular mass of approximately 50 kDa and generally contain three disulfide bridges: two in the mainly a-helical N-terminal domain and one in the C-terminal b-sheet domain.

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This study investigated the potential of RNA interference, which is techni-cally challenging in bivalve mollusc species, to assess gene function in the oysterCrassostrea gigas. We designed dsRNA targeting the oyster vasa-like gene (Oyvlg), specifically expressed in oyster germ cells. In vivoinjection of oyvl-dsRNA into the gonad provokes a knockdown phenotype correspond-ing to germ cell underproliferation and prematurely arrested meiosis throu-gout the organ.

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In molluscs, and more generally in metazoan organisms, the production of a calcified skeleton is a complex molecular process that is regulated by the secretion of an extracellular organic matrix. This matrix constitutes a cohe-sive and functional macromolecular assemblage, containing mainly pro-teins, glycoproteins and polysaccharides that, together, control the biomineral formation.

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Commonly referred to as bivalves, are the class of marine and freshwater molluscs with laterally compressed bodies enclosed by a shell in two hinged parts. They include clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, and numerous other families

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The cystine-knot motif, made up of three intertwined disulfide bridges, is a unique feature of several toxins, cyclotides and growth factors, and occurs in a variety of species, including fungi, insects, molluscs and mammals. Growth factor molecules containing the cystine-knot motif serve as ligands for a diverse range of receptors and play an important role in extracellular signalling.

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Seafish, in collaboration with a panel of representatives from various sections of the trade and including Government Ministries and Environmental Health Organisations, is drafting comprehensive guidance for the facilities, practices and management of businesses handling bivalve molluscs. In response to the need of industry to comply with the requirements of food safety legislation, particularly in respect of the facilities that must be provided, these particular Guidelines for facilities and equipment have been produced....

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Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic plants.[1][2] Aquaculture involves cultivating freshwater and saltwater populations under controlled conditions, and can be contrasted with commercial fishing, which is the harvesting of wild fish.[3] Mariculture refers to aquaculture practiced in marine environments and in underwater habitats.

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