Studies on the acid production at fertilization of sea urchin eggs

Abstract

1. 1. Paper chromatographic analysis was performed on the sea water in which sea urchin eggs were fertilized, but no qualitative difference was found when comparison was made with normal sea water. 2. 2. By quantitative analysis of inorganic sulphate in the sea water surrounding the eggs, it was proved that a release of sulphate from the eggs occurs upon fertilization. 3. 3. It was conclusively shown that the acid formed upon fertilization of the sea urchin eggs corresponds to essentially inorganic sulphate split off from mucopolysaccharide contained in the cortical granules.