Ockham’s razor gone blunt: coenzyme Q adaptation and redox balance in tropical reef fishes

Gagliano, Monica, Dunlap, Walter C., de Nys, Rocky, and Depczynski, Martial (2009) Ockham’s razor gone blunt: coenzyme Q adaptation and redox balance in tropical reef fishes. Biology Letters, 5 (3). pp. 360-363.

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Abstract

The ubiquitous coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a powerful antioxidant defence against cellular oxidative damage. In fishes, differences in the isoprenoid length of CoQ and its associated antioxidant efficacy have been proposed as an adaptation to different thermal environments. Here, we examine this broad contention by a comparison of the CoQ composition and its redox status in a range of coral reef fishes. Contrary to expectations, most species possessed CoQ8 and their hepatic redox balance was mostly found in the reduced form. These elevated concentrations of the ubiquinol antioxidant are indicative of a high level of protection required against oxidative stress. We propose that, in contrast to the current paradigm, CoQ variation in coral reef fishes is not a generalized adaptation to thermal conditions, but reflects species-specific ecological habits and physiological constraints associated with oxygen demand.

Item ID: 5470
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1744-957X
Keywords: coenzyme Q; fishes; redox balance; temperature; tropical marine biology
Date Deposited: 04 May 2010 04:51
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060203 Ecological Physiology @ 50%
06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0603 Evolutionary Biology > 060303 Biological Adaptation @ 50%
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 100%
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