How do Sperm Activate Eggs in Urechis (as Well as in Polychaetes and Molluscs)?

  • Meredith Gould
  • José Luis Stephano
Chapter

Abstract

In this chapter we summarize data showing that sperm acrosomal protein activates Urechis eggs, causing a fertilization potential and morphological changes like those produced by sperm. We then review the evidence in Urechis that Ca2+ uptake and acid release at fertilization cause rises in intracellular Ca2+ and pH necessary for activation, and propose that both ion movements occur primarily through voltage-gated channels that open during the fertilization potential. Available data from related species (polychaetes and molluscs) relating to this model are also reviewed.

Keywords

Acrosome Reaction Germinal Vesicle Acid Release Fertilization Potential Germinal Vesicle Breakdown 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 1989

Authors and Affiliations

  • Meredith Gould
    • 1
  • José Luis Stephano
    • 1
  1. 1.Escuela Superior de CienciasUniversidad Autónoma de Baja CaliforniaEnsenada, B.C.N.Mexico

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