Incorporation of protein and RNA precursors into fertilizedFucus eggs

Summary

These studies demonstrate that there is an increase in the incorporation rate of both protein and RNA precursors intoFucus eggs at the time of fertilization. In biochemical terms, therefore, fertilization means activation of the egg immediately after penetration of the sperm. The problem arises: is this ade novo transcription of the information stored in the nucleus as the consequence of derepression of certain genes or are the polysomal particles already present before germination begins (Linskens 1967). Then fertilization would mean an activation of preformed structures ready for activity, but depressed until the sperm brings the initiating signal. Only speculation can be made about biochemical mechanisms involved here; but the system seems to be useful for further investigations.