Biosynthesis of macromolecules in chloride cells in the gills of the common eel, Anguilla anguilla, adapting to sea water

Abstract

1. 1. Rates of incorporation of( 3H)thymidine, ( 14C)leucine and ( 3H)glucoseamine into TCA-precipitable products were measured in chloride and respiratory epithelial cell populations in the gills of silver eels adapting to sea water. 2. 2. A transient wave of DNA synthesis occurs in both cell populations during early stages of adaptation. 3. 3. Chloride cells but not respiratory epithelial cells turn over faster in sea water than in fresh water. 4. 4. A polysaccharide-rich fraction appears to turn over faster in chloride cells in sea water. A glycoprotein fraction appears to turn over faster in respiratory epithelial cells in sea water.