TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENTS OF RESPIRATION IN PSAMMECHINUS EGGS

Abstract

The temp. characteristics of the respiration of Psammechinus miliaris eggs were investigated with Cartesian diver micro-respiration technic. Between 10 and 21[degree]C the gradual rise in oxygen consumption rate of the unfertilized egg is best represented by Krogh''s standard curve. Q10 is approx. 3.5, 2.8 and 2.35 at 10, 15 and 20[degree]C, respectively. Fertilized eggs have the same temp. characteristics as unfer-tilized ones. In respect to temp. characteristics of respiration before and after fertilization, 2 classes are distinguishable among the sea-urchins: The Strongylocentrotus-Psammechinus group with equal Q10 values before and after fertilization, and the Arbacia group with higher Q10 values before fertilization. The significance of temp. characteristics for the biochemical processes involved in respiration of eggs before and after fertilization is discussed.