Carbonic anhydrase activity in the integument of the crab Carcinus maenas during the intermolt cycle

Abstract

1. 1. Carbonic anhydrase activity, measured by a manometric method, is found in the epidermis and cuticle of the crab during all the intermolt cycle, with a maximum activity during the calcification stages. 2. 2. The inhibiting action of diamox (carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) on the growth of calcite spherulites is observed in vivo, and demonstrates the rôle of the enzyme in cuticle calcification. 3. 3. The double localization of carbonic anhydrase, intracellular in the epidermis, and possibly extracellular in the cuticle, is discussed.