The Blue mussel – irreplaceable filter-feeder and geneticist’s favourite
The Blue mussel – irreplaceable filter-feeder and geneticist’s favourite

Summary/Abstract: Mussels from Mytilus spp. complex are important in aquatic ecosystems as well as their worldwide economic importance. Annual world production of marine mussels for consumption is around one million tons and in Europe exceeds 600.000 tons. These bivalves contain nutritious proteins, carbohydrates, mineral salts and a small amount of fat, but apart from cooks they fascinate scientists. The sensitivity of mussels to environmental pollution allows their exploitation as bioindicators. Additionally their inheritance of mitochondrial DNA is quite extraordinary. This article aims to present the blue mussel in the light of its ecology and genetics.

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