Egg capsule structure and hatching mechanism of Ocenebra erinacea (L.) (Prosobranchia : Muricidae)

摘要: The structure, permeability to water and salts, internal osmotic concentration of the egg capsules marine gastropod Ocenebra erinacea (L.) have been examined at various stages between deposition hatching. capsule this species is composed protein fibres arranged in four laminae, enclosing a protein-gel matrix containing developing embryos. Radio-tracer studies intact show them be freely permeable salts all embryonic development; thus, transfer media differing concentrations quickly reflected changes intracapsular by transitory weight changes. lack protection exposes embryos risk shock or desiccation mortalities can occur. Encapsulated are shown contain increasing amounts proteolytic substances as hatching approaches. At hatching, these apparently secreted into gel causing structural capsule. These result expulsion mucus plug sealing top capsule, thereby allowing escape.