STUDIES ON THE PIGMENTATION CHANGES DURING RECONSTITUTION IN TUBULARIA

Abstract

1. At least part of the reddening designating the site of hydranth formation in Tubularia is due to pigment removed from circulation. 2. The mechanism removing pigment particles from circulation does not distinguish them from charcoal particles introduced into the stem. These become distributed in exact coincidence with the pigment in the reconstituted hydranth. 3. The extracted pigment of Tubularia seems to be mainly astacene, as judged from its spectral and solubility properties. 4. The immediate origin of the pigment in circulation is from the breakdown of endodermal tissue. 5. The possible significance of removal of pigment is discussed. 6. Color variants in Tubularia are noted, as well as infecting red algae.