Metallothioneins, proteins binding heavy metals in fish

We review oligopeptides involved in animal adaptation to changing environme ntal conditions including anthropogenic influence; Specific low-molecular p roteins enriched in SH-bonds-metallothioneins-bind excessive heavy metals a nd release them from the organism. The structure-and properties of fish met allothioneins, their induction by heavy metals, and synthesis dependence on temperature and stress are discussed. Sensitivity and tolerance of fish sp ecies to heavy metals are analyzed in relation; to the metallothioneins gen es structure. In conclusion, biomonitoring data based on metallothioneins a re presented.