The effects of temperature on ATPase activity and force generation in skinned muscle fibers from the Pacific blue marlin ( Makaira nigricans).

ATPase activity and force generation have been measured simultaneously in isolated, demembranated muscle fibers of the Pacific blue marlin ( Makaira nigricans) between 0 and 30°C. Tension generation is relatively independent of temperature above 15°C and falls with a Q of <1.5 on decreasing the temperature to 0°C. In contrast, the Q for ATPase activity is 2.2 over the range 0-30°C. The results are interpreted in terms of the cross bridge theory of contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]