Age changes in nucleic acids, protein, free amino acids and water content of the skin in the male garden lizard in natural surroundings.

Abstract

Some of the biochemical components of the skin of the garden lizard, <i>Calotes versicolor</i>, have been analyzed in relation to age. The DNA content was found to decrease sharply during the rapid growth phase and again between the fully matured and older group. The RNA content reached its peak at the fully matured stage, followed by a decline. The RNA/DNA and RNA/protein ratio showed the same trend. A sharp decline in protein content was recorded during the rapid growth phase. Protein content, expressed on the basis of DNA, showed the same trend. An increase in protein content was found between the sexually matured stage and the older group. The free amino acid level did not show significant age-related change. During the period between the rapid growth phase and sexual maturity the water content of the skin showed a significant increase and remained almost constant thereafter.