SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF FOOD AVAILABILITY, TEMPERATURE AND RESUSPENSIONOF SEDIMENTS ON BIOCHEMICAL GROWTH INDEXES OF MYA-ARENARIA (L) - STUDY ON A NATURAL-ENVIRONMENT

The purpose of this study was to assess the short-term variability of the biochemical indices of growth protein:DNA, protein:RNA, and RNA:DN A ratios, in Mya arenaria (L.) and to evaluate the short-term effects of some environmental factors on these indices. The RNA:DNA and protei n:DNA ratios of the digestive gland were positively correlated with th e resuspension of benthic organic matter and sedimentation of organic particles in the water column, respectively. The RNA:DNA ratio of the gills was also positively correlated with resuspension. Resuspended be nthic organic material is suggested to provide an appreciable source o f food for Mya arenaria, which would supplement the generally low cont ribution from sedimentation. Sediment temperature did not affect the t issue indices studied. This suggests that the physiological responses of intertidal animals tend to be independent of short-term temperature variations. The biochemical indices of the adductor muscle did not re spond to any of the studied environmental parameters.