Changes in enzyme activities of the hatching muscle of the chick (Gallus domesticus) during development

Abstract

• 1.

  1. Oxidative (MDH, ICDH, succinic oxidase) and glycolytic (pyruvic kinase, LDH) enzyme were assayed in the complexus and gastrocnemius muscles of the chick during incubation days 17–21 and at 6–8 days post-hatching.

• 2.

  2. Enzyme activity patterns were found to be generally similar in the two muscles but the complexus was slightly more glycolytic and less oxidative than the gastrocnemius.

• 3.

  3. Significant increases in pyruvic kinase activity were noted for both muscles at the time of pipping and the possible significance of this is discussed.