Fertilization in the Fucaceae: investigations on the nature of the chemotactic substance produced by eggs of Fucus serratus and F. vesiculosus

Abstract

Previously described observations on the chemotaxis between gametes of certain Fucaceae have been confirmed, and photomicrographs obtained which illustrate some of the aspects of the natural fertilization process and the capillary technique for detection of chemotaxis. Dilute solutions in sea water of a number of simple organic compounds--hydrocarbons, ethers, esters--have been found to simulate the cell-free preparations from Fucus eggs and cause attraction of the spermatozoa of F. serratus and F. vesiculosus in the same manner. Indications are that the mode of action is primarily physical in nature. Initial attempts to identify the natural volatile chemotactic principle with the aid of the mass spectrometer have afforded inconclusive results which are discussed.