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

  • Chapter
Mechanisms of Egg Activation

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Escuela Superior de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, A.P. 2921, Ensenada, B.C.N., Mexico

    Meredith Gould & José Luis Stephano

Authors
  1. Meredith Gould
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  2. José Luis Stephano
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA

    Richard Nuccitelli

  2. Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California, Davis, Bodega Bay, California, USA

    Gary N. Cherr  & Wallis H. Clark Jr.  & 

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Gould, M., Stephano, J.L. (1989). How do Sperm Activate Eggs in Urechis (as Well as in Polychaetes and Molluscs)?. In: Nuccitelli, R., Cherr, G.N., Clark, W.H. (eds) Mechanisms of Egg Activation. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-0881-3_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-0881-3_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4757-0883-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-0881-3

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