Abstract
We injected eggs of softshell turtles (Trionyx spiniferus) with solutions of urea at the midpoint of incubation to induce different levels of uremia in developing embryos. The experiment was undertaken as a test of the hypothesis that urea inhibits intermediary metabolism of embryos and thereby causes a reduction in their rates of growth. The injection protocol elicited a physiologically realistic range of uremias, but we found no evidence that metabolism or growth of embryos was impaired even at the highest levels of uremia. The most likely explanation for our results is that the uremias commonly encountered during natural incubation by embryos of this and other species of turtle are insufficient to inhibit intermediary metabolism. Thus, the influence of the hydric environment on metabolism and growth of embryonic turtles apparently is not mediated by differential rates of increase in the concentration of urea in body fluids.
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.
