[Enzyme activities in the gills of benthic filter feeders (ascidia)]

The gill of Ciona intestinalis, Phallusia mammillata, Styela plicata and Microcosmus sabatieri is the seat of enzymatic activities. alpha-amylases as well as proteases secreted into the mucus might start the digestion of the filtered organic particles. As for the proteasic activity, only a chymotrypsine-like enzyme could be detected and localized.