Figure 7. sod-2 Mutant Worms Show Decreased Oxygen Consumption and Increased Oxidative Damage But Normal Tolerance to Heat and Osmotic Stress.

A) In order to assess mitochondrial function in sod-2 mutant worms, whole worm oxygen consumption was measured and compared to wild-type N2 controls. Oxygen consumption was significantly decreased in sod-2 mutant worms compared to wild-type worms. B) Examination of carbonylated proteins by Oxyblot reveals increased oxidative damage in sod-2 mutant worms compared to wild-type worms (N = 10 N2, 8 sod-2). Nonetheless, sod-2 mutant worms survive both heat stress (C) and osmotic stress (D) as well as wild-type worms (stress results represent three independent trials).