THE EFFECT OF PROTEIN DIGESTION ON ZEBRAFISH METABOLIC RATE

THE EFFECT OF PROTEIN DIGESTION ON ZEBRAFISH METABOLIC RATE

INTRODUCTION

protein form one of the primary nutrients that are used in the body for cellular structures building (Acheson 525). the process of protein digestion involves the breakdown of food substances we eat into soluble solutions that can be absorbed in the bloodstream. protein is broken down to form amino-acids within the digestive systems and the amino acids are absorbed into the hepatic portal system. the proteins are the building blocks in the body and they include food substances such as eggs, meat, milk as well as beans and nuts among many other food products (Acheson 527). the digestion of proteins mainly begins in the stomach and continues in the small intestine (Acheson 530). digestion of proteins is facilitated by pepsin enzymes that promotes the digestion of the large proteins molecules into amino acids. the digestion of proteins in the body also includes the use of hydrochloric acid (Acheson 526). zebra-fish is preferred in research studies since it is cheap, have similar organs as human beings and produces a lot of offspring. zebra-fish also has a short life-span of about two years and are easy to take care of.

Therefore, the primary objective of this research paper is to evaluate the effects that protein provide on the fish metabolic rate especially after three to four hours.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In most cases, protein digestion takes place in both the stomach and in the small intestine in the body of human beings. However, in Zebra fish, protein digestion involves the use of associated organs. the dietary ingredients, and nutrients as well as anti-nutritional remain important factors that affect Zebra fish growth and development. However, there lacks proper nutritional control due to the absence of standardized reference diet (Boyle et al.,2008). Moreover, according to epidemiological studies by Richard et al. (2015), prenatal conditions are important in the growth and development of Zebra fish. As a way of providing a standardized dietary framework, a need emerges for the provision of specific dietary and nutritional standard aimed at improving the growth and development of Zebra fish. Thus, this project aim to evaluate how the level of? protein in commercial fish foods affects the metabolic rate of Zebra fish (Danio rerio).

BACKGROUND

The consumption of proteins could have significant effects on body metabolism. proteins commonly require more calories for breakdown than carbohydrates and this could have significant effects on various metabolic aspects, including an increase in the metabolic rate of organisms (Williams et al., 2014). Due to the strong bond making the protein molecules, a lot of energy is required to break down the high protein that has been consumed. about 30% of the calories in proteins are burned in the process of digesting proteins(Acheson et al. 528). The heat generated in the process increases the general body heat output hence influencing metabolism.

The consumption of protein in diet has been established as a factor that increases the metabolic rate in human beings(Howard et al. 117). The process of protein synthesis in the body causes the amino acid structures of the proteins consumed to begin the process of building body muscles. The construction of these tissues in the body consumes high amounts of energy hence the body requires increased energy. Nevertheless, it is important that the researcher provide enough energy in order to maintain the high metabolic rate of Zebra Fish. The provision of enough energy will also promote the breaking down amino acids to form muscle units.

HYPOTHESES, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES

Furthermore, the study also aims to establish, the metabolism rate of Zebra fish when fed with different commercial diets The evaluation of the relationship between protein level in food and metabolic rate in Zebra-fish.

HYPOTHESIS

it should be expected that the proteins are important body building components and their consumption in a diet could have a significant impact on the metabolic rate of organisms. Moreover, it would be expected that would present a positive impact on increasing the metabolic rate of the Zebra-fish as well.

GOALS

The goal of the experiment includes testing the metabolic rate following the application of 2 different protein levels available in commercial diet by measuring the oxygen level of water in Zebra fish

METHODOLODY

Zebra-fish (Daniorerio) are a small shoaling fish which belongs to the minnow family of Cyprinadae and order cypriniformes. It is a tropical fish that resides in fresh water conditions and is a native species of the Himalayan region. Due to its unique characteristics it possesses, the Zebra-fish remain vastly utilized as a vertebrate model organism in scientific research. These include cancer prevention, cardio-vascular diseases as well as investigating immune systems and other drug discovery systems

Furthermore, because of their omnivorous characteristics, they are have been extensively utilized in environmental monitoring activities as a way of preventing water pollution by estrogen (Howard et al. 1173). Based on past literatures and research studies investigating the growth and metabolic rate of Zebra-fish (Daniorerio), they are imperative in conducting studies in the development, genetics as well as the human disease conditions(Williams, Mirbahai, and Chipman 157)

The experiment will be conducted using two groups of Zebra-fish placed in provided with two different types of commercial feeds with the same levels of fat and fiber but varying protein content. The available commercial feeds have formed the guideline for undertaking the research since the levels of protein and other nutrients are established by the manufacturers.

Each of the two groups will be provided with a food that has a specified level of fat and fiber with varying protein level. All nutrients play a part in the metabolism process, and although the research seeks to determine the impact of protein, the effects of the other nutrients present in the food cannot be ignored.