FLAGELLAR MOTILITY IS NOT INVOLVED IN THE INCORPORATION OF THE SPERM INTO THE EGG AT FERTILIZATION*

Cinemicrography of sea urchin fertilization reveals that the fertilizing sperm is one of the first sperm to attach to the egg. Just before the cortical reaction the fertilizing sperm ceases motility and then is incorporated into the egg without flagellar beating. The rate of incorporation is 5–11 μm/sec and is constant. Lytechinus pictus sperm rendered immotile by azide treatment can bind to and fertilize eggs but binding, and therefore fertilization, is blocked by azide treatment of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus gametes.     

Algal borings and framboidal pyrite in Upper Ordovician brachiopods

Algal borings in the shells of the articulate brachiopods Plaesiomys subquadrata (Hall) and Hebertella sinuata (Hall) from the Richmond Formation of Ohio are empty, or partially to entirely filled with pyrite. The pyrite occurs as single framboids and other crystal forms, or in chains filling the bores. The borings provide some insight into the early diagenetic history of the Richmond sediments near Cincinnati. Pyritization probably occurred within a few years, only a short distance (a few centimeters) below the sediment surface through the activities of sulfur-reducing bacteria. Pyrite precipitated around a nucleus such as a bacterium or algal cell, or developed within an organic structure such as an algal cell or organic membrane.     

Genotypic succession in the cyclomorphosis of Bosmina longirostris (Cladocera)

SUMMARY. The pattern of cyclomorphosis of Bosmina longirostris was followed over a 21-month period in Lake Travis, Texas. Appreciable variation was observed in body size and in the lengths of antennules and mucrones. Electrophoresis of clonal isolates collected over the period of study showed a seasonal cycle in esterase phenotypes. A definite association was demonstrated between the esterase phenotypes and morphologies of these clonal isolates. Individuals of one esterase phenotype were usually large and long-featured, whereas individuals of the other esterase phenotypes were smaller, with short features. The association of morphology and esterase phenotypes from laboratory experiments corresponded to the association observed in field samples. These results support the hypothesis that the cyclomorphosis of Lake Travis Bosmina involves a succession of clones as well as phenotypic plasticity.     

Methods for the isolation, sterilization and cultivation of Lemnaceae

SUMMARY. A method is described for isolating and sterilizing fronds of Lemnà gibba, L. minor, L. trisulca, L. polyrrhiza and Wolffia arrhiza , employing enrichment followed by sodium hypochlorite treatment. The method enables about 4% of the total number of treated fronds to be used as initiators of clonal cultures in which bacteria responding to organic enrichment and algae are excluded. Appropriate growth media, culture vessels and culture conditions are detailed.     

Succession following wildfire in coastal heathland (Nadgee Nature Reserve N.S.W.)

Changes in coastal heath vegetation were measured for 6 years following a wildfire and the data compared with the pre-fire vegetation. For the first 2 years changes were related to time; after that environmental factors dominated the process of regeneration. During the first 4 years plant species spread rapidly and maximum species diversity per plot was reached 4 years after the fire. About the same time many species consolidated their position in the community; this being shown by cover levels greater than before the fire for some species. Six years after the fire the vegetation is still dynamic and very different when compared with the heath before burning.     

Genotypic Responses to Auxins in Tissue Cultures of Phaseolus

Responses of seven Phaseolus genotypes to the four auxins picloram, 2,4-D, NAA and 1AA, in tissue cultures, were examined. Callus growth was promoted by picloram and the range of effective concentrations for most genotypes was broad. The auxin 2,4-D also enhanced callus growth, but the range of optimal concentrations was markedly narrower than that of picloram. NAA when supplied at relatively high concentrations gave good growth. IAA was ineffective in supporting callus growth. The differences in 2,4-D concentrations required for optimal growth and the differential responses to low concentrations (0.04–1.25 μM) of picloram between several genotypes tested were large. These genotypic variations in auxin responses were repeatable and may thus reflect genetic differences.     

The pteridophytes of Mauritius (Indian Ocean): ecology and distribution

A survey of the pteridophytes of Mauritius is presented, including a summary of their habitats, ecology, and phytogeographical affinities. Of the 186 infrageneric taxa recorded from the island, 8 are adventive or naturalized, and 27 are presumed rare or extinct. Major ecological groupings are presented and species are listed for both indigenous and secondary plant communities.