Abstract
The extrapallial fluid of Unionids is being studied to obtain a more complete understanding of its composition and the relationship of its components to shell formation. Previous reports have indicated that calcium, magnesium, and manganese are expected components in one Unionid species. We confirm this and add zinc to this list. Our studies do not confirm earlier reports of free diffusion of calcium between the extrapallial fluid and the ambient medium, but suggest the organisms can concentrate, retain and exclude calcium. Magnesium levels are inversely related to calcium levels. Manganese and zinc are maintained in the extrapallial fluid regardless of external concentration, the manganese within a relatively narrow concentration range. The extrapallial fluid is consistantly slightly alkaline, all samplings averaging between 8.1 and 8.2 in pH.
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1. James Pietrzak died of burns incurred in a house fire on April 28, 1972. Mr. Pietrzak was a graduate student at Eastern Michigan University at the time this study was performed, and was employed at Grand Valley State College at the time of his death.
2. Author to whom inquiries should be addressed at the Department of Chemistry.
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Pietrzak, J.E., Bates, J.M. & Scott, R.M. Constituents of unionid extrapallial fluid. ii ph and metal ion composition. Hydrobiologia 50, 89–93 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00016846
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00016846