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Name: Casey
Status: student
Age: 14
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 1999-2001
Question:
What molecule differenciates the dark meat from the white meat in a turkey?

Replies:
Casey,

It is not really a molecular question, but rather density.

The color of the meat is determined by whether the animal actually uses the muscle or not. Blood enriched tissue is determined by the use of the tissue and is going to have more blood vessels to provide the nutrients and oxygen needs by the frequently used muscle. White muscles are not used as much and the body does not supply a great deal of blood vessels; it would be wasteful. Turkey legs are dark because the animal uses them a great deal, while the wings of captive birds breed for human consumption are not used. Wild turkeys are all dark meet.

Steve Sample


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