Baseline heavy metal concentrations in the Antarctic clam, Laternula elliptica in Maxwell Bay, King George Island, Antarctica

Molecular characterization and induction of heat shock protein 90 in the Antarctic bivalve Laternula elliptica

“…The bivalve Laternula elliptica, which is endemic to the Antarctic, is one of the most abundant macro-benthic species in the Antarctic coastal region and has evolved under a cold and thermally stable environment for many millions of years (Ahn et al 1996). In this paper, we report the molecular cloning of a full-length cDNA encoding HSP90 from L. elliptica and compare the expression patterns in transcriptional induction of HSP90 by semiquantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).…”

Oxidative balance in macroalgae from Antarctic waters. Possible role of Fe

“…In the King George Island region, Antarctica, high sedimentation reduces underwater photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400-700 nm) leading to a lower carbon balance by some macroalgal species (Deregibus et al, 2016). Furthermore, the sediment and rocks in this island are rich in iron (Fe), containing 5 to 7% Fe (Tatur et al, 1999), and thus sediment ablation enriches the seawater in Fe (Ahn et al, 1996;Dierssen et al, 2002). In biological systems, Fe is an essential micronutrient for cellular functioning and growth (Templeton and Liu, 2003).…”

Iron assimilation by the clam Laternula elliptica: Do stable isotopes (δ56Fe) help to decipher the sources?

“…This would, however, be important to understand environmental impact, including sources of contamination in marine bivalve populations, and also the biogeochemical processes that render environmental metals/contaminants as ''bioavailable''. Tissue specific Fe-contents in the circum-Antarctic clam Laternula elliptica (King and Broderip, 1832) vary considerably between sampling sites around the Antarctic continent (Ahn et al, 1996;Nigro et al, 1997;Lohan et al, 2001;Deheyn et al, 2005;Curtosi et al, 2010;Husmann et al, 2012;Poigner et al, 2013b). Highest contents were found at Deception Island where hydrothermal waters release high loads of dissolved Fe into the environment (Rey et al, 1995;Deheyn et al, 2005).…”