The Absorption and Subsequent Breakdown of Urea by Diapausing Eggs of Acheta Commodus (Walk.) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Abstract

Solutions of (C14) urea were applied to diapausing eggs of Acheta and found to be absorbed into the eggs. The initial rate of intake varied with the temperature and also with the concentration of the applied solution. Eggs containing (C14) urea showed a decline in their radioactivity after their removal from the (C14) urea solution. This was found to be due to the loss of C14 from the eggs in the form of Cl14 O2, thus indicating a breakdown of the urea after entering the egg. Since the release of ammonia would be expected to follow the breakdown of urea, the effect of ammonium compounds on diapausing eggs was tested. Ammonium oxalate (0.025-0.55M) was found to be effective in accelerating the rate of termination of diapause. Certain other ammonium compounds were effective in preliminary trials.