Short circuit co-evolution by the perfect parasites : antifreeze glycoproteins in Antarctic fish leeches (Hirudinea, Piscicolidae) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology at Massey University

• Main Author: Kolb, Jürgen Bertram
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Massey University 2013
• Subjects: Antifreeze proteins; Leeches; Antarctica; Fish parasites; Antarctic; Leech; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10179/6290

Antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGPs) play an important role in biochemical adaptation to supercooled waters and hence in the survival of notothenioid fish in Antarctica. These fishes have a well developed parasitic epifauna, which in turn is also exposed to freezing conditions. In order to retain their...