The regulation of particle transport within the ventral groove of the mussel gill (Mytilus edulis) in response to variations in envrionmental conditions

Richoux, Nicole Bertine (1997) The regulation of particle transport within the ventral groove of the mussel gill (Mytilus edulis) in response to variations in envrionmental conditions. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (18MB)

Abstract

In order to understand thoroughly the feeding processes of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, in response to the variable environmental conditions it experiences in nature, it is important to examine individually the different components that comprise its feeding system. The ciliated ventral food groove represents one of these primary components, within which the majority of food particles trapped by the gill are transported to the labial palps and gut. The ability of mussels to adjust food transport rates within this groove could serve as an important feeding regulatory mechanism in response to variations in the environment. -- Using video endoscopy, mucous strand velocities in the ventral groove of mussels Mytilus edulis were determined over variable time periods and in response to short-term manipulations of ambient particle concentration, temperature and particle type. Mucous strand velocities decreased with increasing ambient particle concentration and particle load on the gill, and also when particle type was switched from algae to sediment. This evidence supports the hypothesis that M. edulis possesses compensation mechanisms involving particle transport at the level of the ventral groove cilia to deal with short-term changes in the environment. Furthermore, mucous strand velocity in the ventral groove increased when the ambient temperature of mussels acclimated to 4.5ﾟC was increased to 15ﾟC. This response is consistent with standard physiological responses of ciliary systems to changes in temperature. Changes in velocity over time were also observed, but there was no consistent pattern.

Actions (login required)

View Item