Abstract
AbstractAt fertilization, the vitelline envelope surrounding the egg of Xenopus laevis is modified by the addition of an electron‐dense component termed the “F layer.” The F layer functions as a block to polyspermy and as a block to the escape of macromolecules from the perivitelline space, thereby causing an osmotically driven envelope elevation. F‐layer formation has been hypothesized to result from interaction between a cortical‐granule lectin, released in the cortical reaction, and a jelly‐coat ligand. Evidence for this hypothesis was sought by determining the location of the cortical‐granule lectin both before and after fertilization, using a specific antibody conjugated to horseradish peroxidase. The cortical‐granule lectin was localized only in the cortical granules of the unfertilized egg and was located predominantly in the perivitelline space and the F layer of a fertilized egg. These observations support the hypothesis that the F layer is formed by a cortical‐granule‐Iectin–jelly layer‐ligand interaction.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
