ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
Mollusca
;
Basommatophora
;
Calcium threshold
;
Egg development
;
Cation-control mechanisms
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Eggs of the basommatophoran snails Physa marmorata and Biomphalaria glabrata were cultured in low concentrations of calcium to determine effects on growth and development. In both species there was some development in media with 0.12 mg/l Ca2+ but embryos were unable to hatch. 61.04% of embryos of P. marmorata could develop to hatching in 0.22 mg/l Ca2+ but those of B. glabrata required a level of 0.42 mg/l Ca2+, to attain even a 31.07% hatch. Marked effects on growth rate, embryo size and on time taken to achieve hatching were noted in both species at very low calcium levels. The possibility of cation-controlling mechanisms in the egg membrane is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00034803
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