ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Calcium
;
magnesium
;
nematocysts
;
Hydra
;
Cnidaria
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary An X-ray spectral analysis (EDAX) of isolated undischarged nematocysts of various cnidarians (Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, Anthozoa) revealed the presence of extremely high concentrations of divalent cations. InHydra nematocysts both Ca2+ (conc. 0.36 μmole/mg dry cysts) and Mg2+ (conc. 0.80 μmole/mg dry cysts) ions add up to a total in situ concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 M. More than 85% of the cations, which are believed to be involved in cyst discharge, are contained in the soluble fraction of the cysts, where they must be bound to high molecular weight molecules.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01952227
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