THE ONTOGENY OF CHICK EMBRYO HEMOGLOBIN

Abstract

An investigation of chick embryo hemoglobin synthesis using immunological and electro-phoretic methods revealed 2 globin-like components in the unincubated blastoderm. One component is apparently identical to the minor adult globin component, the other is immunologically distinguishable from both adult components. This distinctive component disappears at approximately 36-48 hours of incubation concomitant with the appearance of the major adult component. Heme and globin synthesis proceed rapidly after the embryo has acquired 7 to 8 somites. Prior to this stage some globin synthesis occurs, but practically no heme iron is incorporated into hemoglobin.