The Antarctic toothfish (*Dissostichus mawsoni*) thrives in the freezing waters of the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. To survive in temperatures that frequently drop below , the fish relies on specialized proteins known as glycoproteins. These glycoproteins, which are synthesized in the liver and released into the bloodstream, bind to tiny ice crystals inside the fish's body. By attaching to these crystals, the glycoproteins prevent them from growing larger and damaging the fish's cellular structures, thereby allowing the toothfish to remain active without its blood freezing solid.
According to the text, which statement is true about the glycoproteins in the Antarctic toothfish?
- They are produced in the fish's liver before entering the bloodstream.Answer
- BThey raise the temperature of the surrounding ocean water.
- CThey destroy the ice crystals inside the fish's cells.
- DThey enable the fish to survive without any blood circulating through its body.
Answer
The glycoproteins are produced in the fish's liver before entering the bloodstream.
The correct answer is directly supported by the text, which states that glycoproteins are "synthesized in the liver and released into the bloodstream." Since "synthesized" means produced, this directly matches the statement that they are produced in the liver before entering the bloodstream.
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