• In Carcinus maenas the haemocyanin was present in the dodecamer and hexamer aggregate states. Each aggregate state is constructed from subunits which were separated into three electrpohoretically distinct bands, possibly representing four subunit types with two not being separated.

• In the haemolymph labelled cadmium binds not only to haemocyanin but, at least initially, is also associated with low molecular size material or exists as free cadmium ions.

• The binding of cadmium to haemocyanin is not an immediate process. Initially the binding of cadmium favours the hexamer; only later is a more even distribution between the two aggregate states apparent.

• Newly taken up labelled zinc is rapidly bound to haemocyanin. The majority of both total and labelled zinc in the haemolymph is bound to haemocyanin, with the hexamer having a greater binding affinity for zinc than the dodecamer.

   

To read more about my work check out.......

'The kinetics  of zinc and cadmium in the haemolymph of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas (L)'
Aquat. Toxicol. 40: 203-231 (1998).

'Haemocyanin, and the transport of zinc and cadmium in the haemolymph of the shore crab Carcinus maenas (L)'
Sci. Total Environ. 214: 133-152 (1998).

This research was carried out at Queen Mary, University of London, whilst in receipt of a NERC studentship.