Visco-Elastic Properties of the Body-Wall of Sea Anemones

Abstract

1. Creep of narcotized Metridium and Calliactis body-wall at constant tensile stress has been studied quantitatively. 2. It was found to be reversible, and seemed to be controlled by the mesogloea. Its course could be represented by equations of the formε(t)= ε_o+ε_υ(I-e^-t/τ),where the retardation time τ was about 1 hr. for Metridium and many hours for Calliactis. 3. The results can most simply be explained in terms of a cross-linked and a noncross-linked polymeric system, acting in parallel. An explanation in terms of a lattice of inextensible fibres is not satisfactory. 4. The results are discussed in relation to the behaviour of the animals.