Comparative biochemistry of Antarctic proteins.

Prior to the start of the University’s Antarctic program in the middle 1960’s, our laboratory had long been studying the comparative biochemistry of proteins, particularly those of blood serum, milk, and egg whites. The main thrust of our studies was the use of differences in molecular structure of related proteins to help understand how the proteins function. The Antarctic program started from a request by our laboratory to the U.S. Navy and the National Science Foundation for penguin eggs. We had found proteins in the eggs of other water fowl valuable to our studies on protein functions, and the penguin eggs seemed a logical choice for further study. The subsequent seven years’ program of intensive work in Antarctica, as well as at our Davis laboratory, developed from observations made as oiir work progressed, and had the encouragement and financial and logistical support of the Biology Division of the Office of Polar Programs of the U.S. National Science Foundation. From 1964 to 1971, the senior author made six trips to Antarctica for periods varying from 3 to 9 weeks. The junior author and about 20 other students and associates all made at least one trip. Much of the work was done while living in fish houses on sea ice above a third of a mile of ocean water or in tent-huts surrounded b y penguins. In addition to the scientific data we collected, one of the greatest returns was from the personal interrelationships of faculty, students, Navy personnel, and National Science Foundation employees. The overall story of the science and human relationships is de-