ISSN:
1432-1793
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Isotopic exchange occurs between coral skeleton and 45Ca++ and H14CO 3 - in seawater. Exchange of 14C onto skeletons is more rapid than exchange of 45Ca++. Exchange of 14C from skeletons to seawater takes place more slowly than exchange of 45Ca++ to seawater. When living coral is incubated in the dark with radioisotopes for 1 h, the tissues contain considerably more radioactivity than is associated with the skeleton. The tissue radioactivity reflects permeation of tissues and coelenteron by radioactive compounds from the incubation seawater. Addition of alkalis to cardioactive seawater results in a radioactive precipitate, part of which becomes associated with any coral skeleton present, and part of which forms on the wall of the containing vessel. Strong alkali removes biologically-deposited radioisotope from coral skeletons. Deposition, of 14C from H14CO 3 - in skeletons of living coral incubated in the dark is greater than in dead coral. The reverse situation occurs with 45Ca++.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00391562
