ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief overview of the main aspects of molluscan physiology, immunology, and genomics. Salinity is an important factor in aquatic molluscan physiology. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule is the main source of energy in all cells and is involved in many biochemical pathways. The sodium-potassium pumps are found in the plasma membrane of all animal cells and are powered by ATP. Most processes within a cell require enzymes. Carbohydrates are large molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with the hydrogen: oxygen ratio usually 2:1. The oxygen- and capacity-limited thermal tolerance hypothesis links an animal’s oxygen supply strategy to tolerance of other stressors, notably temperature. Lipids are complex compounds that are oily, greasy, or waxy and are soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform or benzene. Protein metabolism involves the breakdown into constituent amino acids. Calcium ions play crucial physiological roles. Calcium is a structural component of some enzymes.
