Abstract
1. 1. A method of obtaining large quantities of undischarged nematocysts free of cellular contamination and for isolating the nematocyst toxin is described. 2. 2. Nematocyst contents proved extremely toxic to the fiddler crab Uca pugilator causing severe tetany of the leg muscles and eventual death. 3. 3. A toxic protein of high molecular weight was isolated from the contents and found to be composed mainly of the amino acid glutamic acid. A second protein was isolated but lacked toxic activity. 4. 4. Another substance, possibly bound to the protein, was detectable only after protein precipitation. It appeared to be phenolic in nature and may possess a nitrogenous group. 5. 5. Compounds previously thought to be possible components of nematocyst toxins such as quaternary amines and hydroxyindoles were not found in the nematocysts of Aiptasia.
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