ABSTRACTElectrophoretic patterns of myofibrillar proteins and the ultrastructure of turkey breast muscle aged 0–48 hr were studied. Electrophoretic patterns indicated that protein aggregates were present in aged but not in unaged (0‐hr) muscle. Tropomyosin was present in 0‐hr muscle but not in muscle aged 3 hr or longer. General structural deterioration was noted as muscle aged. H‐zones were absent and M‐lines sometimes were displaced in transmission electron micrographs of post‐rigor muscle. Z‐lines lost their pre‐rigor density while corresponding transverse elements in scanning electron micrographs flattened during aging. Spaces developed between fibrils indicating loss of lateral attachments and breaks at the Z‐line were noted. Although protein and ultrastructural changes were limited, they possibly account for postmortem decreas
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