INDUCTION IN VITRO BY BUFFER SOLUTIONS OF A STRUCTURAL CHANGE OCCURRING NORMALLY DURING THE EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOUSE CRICKET

Abstract

Fragmentation of the maternal epicuticle, similar to that occurring normally after 36 hours of incubation at 35 °C, may be induced in ovarian or newly laid eggs or their shells by immersion in buffer solutions at pH 6 to pH 8. Such treatment also increases the activity of the tyrosinase present in the epicuticle. It is suggested that the action of the buffer in causing fragmentation is in part to provide a favorable pH for the reaction(s) involved.