IMPACT OF ARSENIC ON PROTEIN METABOLISM OF A FRESH WATER CAT FISH, Mystus vittatus
SADGURU PRAKASH
Department of Zoology, MLK (PG) College, Balrampur, U.P., India.
ASHOK KUMAR VERMA *
Department of Zoology, Govt. PG College, Saidabad, Prayagraj, U.P., India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present investigation has been designed to study the effect of sublethal concentrations (10% and 30%) of heavy metal, arsenic on the total protein and amino acid contents in liver and muscles of Mystus vittatus after exposure to 30 days. A significant decreased in protein content and significant increased in amino acids content in liver and muscles of arsenic exposed fishes. A reduction in the protein content and enhancement of free amino acids in the liver and muscles tissues of Mystus vittatus suggests that the tissue protein might have undergone proteolysis, during the stressful situation in the intoxicated fishes to accomplish the impending energy demands. Thus the present study concludes that the protein metabolism of fish Mystus vittatus affected during arsenic exposure and reduces the nutritive value of fish.
Keywords: Arsenic, protein, amino acids, Mystus vittatus.