Aspects of nitrogen metabolism in the terebellid polychaete Pista pacifica Berkeley

Abstract1.The terebellid polychaete Pista pacifica is normally ammonotelic. However, it will produce ammonia and urea when starved.2.Arginase is present in the tentacles, body wall, and gut tissues of this polychaete. Bacteria were shown to be an unlikely source of arginase in the gut and body wall tissues.3.Three other enzymes associated with nitrogen metabolism were examined, and their possible physiological role is discussed.