In this paper the news hypothesis of structure of arthropods hemocyanin were presented. One also particulary discussed the constitution of this proteins components. The heterogeneity Hc on the level of polypeptide chains was considerated. The function performed by respective subunits (chains) in the constitution of bigger hemocyanins aggregates was attempted.
The following parameters were determined in the serum of three crayfish species occuring in Poland (Astacus astacus, Astacus leptodactylus Orconectes limosus): pH, cations content (Ca, Mg, Na, K) and per cent content of individual hemocyanin (He) components. In parallel, oxygen affinity of the serum (n, log P50) was measured. Correlation relationship were checked between the parameters studied.