Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2025
11:03
A Method for Extracting Pigments from Squid Doryteuthis pealeii
Published on: November 9, 2016
9.5K
SOME ASPECTS ON PIGMENT CELL DISTRIBUTION AND FUNCTION IN THE DEVELOPING ECHINOPLUTEUS OF PSAMMECHINUS MILIARIS
1The Wenner-Gren Institute, University of Stockholm, Norrtullsgatan 16, S-l13 45 Stockholm, Sweden.
Development, Growth & Differentiation
|June 7, 2023
Summary
Pigment cells in sea urchin larvae contain carotenoids, potentially aiding in photo-activated processes that influence larval development and migration. These findings link pigment composition to crucial life cycle events.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Marine Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pigment cells in Psammechinus miliaris larvae are observed in morphogenetically active regions during development.
- These cells are visible from the mid-gastrula stage through metamorphosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the early development and ultrastructure of pigment cells in Psammechinus miliaris larvae.
- To investigate the biochemical composition of pigment granules.
- To explore the potential role of pigment cells in larval photo-activated processes.
Main Methods:
- Observation of living larvae.
- Electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis.
- Histochemical methods to identify pigments.
Main Results:
- Early development and characteristic features of pigment cells were detailed.
- Histochemistry revealed the presence of carotenoids within pigment granules.
- Carotenoids showed preferential localization in pigment granules.
Conclusions:
- Pigment cells in Psammechinus miliaris larvae contain carotenoids, suggesting a role beyond simple coloration.
- The findings support the hypothesis that caroteno-proteins in these cells are involved in photo-activated processes.
- These processes may be crucial for supporting larval migration and/or morphogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pigmentation
2.5K
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
2.5K
01:20Anatomy of the Eyeball
7.2K
The eye is a spherical, hollow structure composed of three tissue layers. The outer layer — the fibrous tunic, comprises the sclera — a white structure — and the cornea, which is transparent. The sclera encompasses some of the ocular surface, most of which is not visible. However, the 'white of the eye' is distinctively visible in humans compared to other species. The cornea, a clear covering at the front of the eye, enables light penetration. The eye's middle...
7.2K