THE EFFECT OF SALINITY ON THE AMINO ACID CONCENTRATION IN RANGIA CUNEATA (PELECYPODA)

1. The amino acids alanine, glycine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid were quantitated in Rangia cuneata taken from different salinities. 2. The individual amino acids increased in concentration as the salinity increased. 3. The increased concentration of individual amino acids followed a definite pattern which was already established prior to the change into higher salinities. The pattern was : alanine > glycine > glutamic acid > aspartic acid, regardless of environment. 4. The possible role of amino acids in an animal withstanding changes in salinity is discussed.