Evolution of Mammalian Diving Capacity Traced by Myoglobin Net Surface Charge

Holding Your Breath Hemoglobin and myoglobin are widely responsible for oxygen transport and storage (see the Perspective by Rezende ). The ability of diving mammals to obtain enough oxygen to support extended dives and foraging is largely dependent on muscle myoglobin (Mb) content. Mirceta et al. (p. 1234192 ) found that in mammalian lineages with an aquatic or semiaquatic lifestyle, Mb net charge increases, which may represent an adaptation to...