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THE EXTRACELLULAR RELEASE OF ECHINOCHROME
1The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole.
The Journal of General Physiology
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Fertilization triggers the release of echinochrome pigment from sea urchin eggs. This pigment, normally retained, diffuses into seawater after fertilization, but not in unfertilized eggs.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Marine Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sea urchin eggs contain the red pigment echinochrome.
- Echinochrome is typically retained within unfertilized eggs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diffusion of echinochrome pigment from sea urchin eggs.
- To determine the factors influencing echinochrome release.
Main Methods:
- Observing pigment diffusion from unfertilized and fertilized Arbacia punctulata eggs.
- Modifying sea water composition (calcium, potassium) and oxygen levels.
- Assessing pigment release under various conditions.
Main Results:
- Unfertilized eggs showed negligible pigment diffusion.
- Anaerobic conditions caused minimal pigment release from unfertilized eggs.
- Fertilization induced significant echinochrome release in all tested conditions.
Conclusions:
- Fertilization is the primary trigger for echinochrome release from sea urchin eggs.
- Pigment release involves intracellular events preceding diffusion, possibly initiated by activation or anaerobiosis.
- The phenomenon is not caused by cell lysis.
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