Abstract
An intraskeletal soluble matrix protein of 83 kD was isolated from the calcareous skeletal elements of living specimens of two asteroid species, one echinoid species, and an early Pleistocene fossil specimen of an extant echinoid species. Characterization of this protein by sodium dodecyl sulphate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, reverse phase liquid chromatography, and amino acid composition analysis confirms its similarity to matrix proteins from other phyla. It is composed of a relatively high percentage of the acidic amino acids especially aspartic acid. The 83 kD protein stains only faintly with silver stain and not at all with Coomassie blue, as is typical of matrix proteins. As this protein occurs in both living and fossil echinoids, its analysis may provide information about phylogenetic relations.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
