ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the influences of factors of the physical environment, in particular hydrostatic pressure, on the invertebrate component of the deep-ocean fauna. For some pressure phenomena more extensive information is available from studies of vertebrates rather than invertebrates. However, where parallel studies have been performed, patterns similar to those observed for fishes are evident for invertebrate taxa as well. Pressure can potentially affect all of the biological molecules and metabolic processes of deep-living organisms. The effects of pressure result from volume changes. For biological systems, the relevant volume is that of the entire solute–solvent system. Pressure can differentially affect the non-covalent bonds which stabilize higher orders of macromolecular structure. E. Dahlhoff and G. N. Somero examined the effects of pressure and temperature on cytosolic malate dehydrogenase orthologs from deep- and shallow-living annelids, molluscs and arthropods. There has been considerable interest in the metabolism of deep-living organisms.
