THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE CRYSTALLINE STYLE AND OF THE GASTRIC SHIELD: WITH SOME NEW OBSERVATIONS ON THE OCCURRENCE OF THE STYLE OXIDASE

Abstract

Chemical examination of the crystalline styles of 4 lamellibranchs (Schizothaerus nuttalli, Mya arenaria, Ostrea gigas, Saxidomus giganteus) shows that the material of which they consist contains mucin in addition to glucoprotein having an amino sugar as carbohydrate constituent. The amount of mucin present varies with the species in such a way as to suggest that the less soluble styles contain it in greater quantity. The gastric shield is composed of chitin. The oxidase system previously found present in the styles of 13 spp. of lamellibranchs is now recorded in 2 more spp. as well as in that of the gastropod Crepi-dula fornicata.