How fish were able to colonize poisonous springs: A tale of survival
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 - 08:31
in Biology & Nature
Hydrogen sulphide is a potent inhibitor of aerobic respiration. However populations of shortfin molly fish managed to colonize springs with high concentrations of dissolved hydrogen sulphide. In a new study, researchers present evidence of genetic changes minimizing the harmful effects of H2S which enable the fish to survive in this deleterious environment. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of this key adaptation for the first time.