Oxidative Activity of Arctic Seal Locomotor Muscle

We are studying the abilities of the fibers making up the locomotor muscles of bearded, ringed, and spotted seals to produce the ATP needed for contraction through oxidative processes. To do so, we will either be staining the muscles for their succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) or nicatinamide-adenine-dinucleotide-tetrazolium reductase (NADH-TR) activities. Both SDH and NADH are enzymes required for oxidative metabolism.

Student working on this project:

  • Nick Nahas

PHO17_LD_NADH.2a(10x)brighterandsmaller.jpg

Image of bearded seal locomotor muscle stained for its NADH-TR activity.

ResearchJennifer Dearolf