Separation of the fertilization membrane in Urechis and sea urchin eggs as a phenomenon caused by breakage of hydrogen bonds : I. Action of mercaptide-forming, alkylating, oxidizing and protein-denaturing agents

Abstract

1. 1. Janus green dyes were effective in elevating the blisters in the sea urchin eggs without jelly layer. 2. 2. Alkylating, oxidizing and mercaptide-forming agents, and protein denaturants were effective upon Urechis and sea urchin eggs when properly employed. 3. 3. Iodoacetic acid caused the separation of the fertilization membrane only after entering the eggs in a neutral form. Iodoacetamide was slightly effective. 4. 4. Iodosobenzoic acid was potent in causing the membrane elevation like iodoacetic acid. Ferricyanide was effective only upon the Urechis eggs. Iodine affected the Urechis eggs and caused the blister formation in sea urchin eggs. 5. 5. PCMB, merthiolate and mercurochrome were potent in causing the membrane separation in Urechis eggs at pH 8.2. However, in sea urchin eggs, PCMB and mercurochrome were effective in an alkaline medium only after entering as the neutral form. Methyl mercuric nitrate caused the blisters in sea urchin eggs, while it caused an ordinary separation of the fertilization membrane in Urechis eggs. Structural difference of the egg surface in both species was suggested. 6. 6. Protein denaturants, such as guanidine and phenol, were potent in causing the separation of the fertilization membrane. 7. 7. A possible connection of vitelline and plasma membranes by means of hydrogen bondings was proposed.