Seasonal Dynamics of Protein Synthesis in the Tissues Of <i>Channa punctatus</i> [Bloch], an Indian Air-Breathing Teleost

Abstract

The rates of initial synthesis and maximal net synthesis of total protein at the prevailing water-temperatures were determined by measuring the 14 levels of incorporation at 1h and 6h after administration of C-leucine respectively into total protein of liver, gill, brain, white muscle and red muscle of Chana punctatus in different months in an annual cycle. A clear biphasic pattern of seasonal variation of protein synthesis ( particularly of the net synthesis) and break-down i s evident in liver, gill and brain. This is much less discernible in muscles (white and red) . Five distinct periods of the seasonal dynamics of protein synthesis and degradation have been described as "the rising phase-I" (January-April/May-June), "the declining phase" (April/May-June-July), "the rising phase-II"(July-August) , "the maintenance phase-I" (August-October/November),"the maintenance phase-II" (October/November-December/January), and their significance discussed.