Calcium signaling in fertilization
Not what you're looking for?
Describe a well-controlled experiment to determine if the rise in internal free calcium observed in the cytoplasm of unfertilized sea urchin eggs in the presence of A23187 is due to in flux of calcium from seawater. Include experimental treatments, controls, and briefly describe experimental methods.
Note: As mentioned in the lab manual, the calcium concentration in seawater is 10mM while the concentration in unfertilized egg cytoplam is greater that 10-6 M. Immediately after fertilization or in unfertilized eggs treated with A23187 the internal calcium concentration increases.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
Explanation of the calcium signaling that occurs during fertilization and the experiment to determine the origin of this calcium is provided.
Solution Preview
This is a very interesting experiment and I have performed it several times with students in a developmental biology lab.
Fertilization triggers a release of calcium that activates the signaling pathways necessary to trigger the fast and slow block. These blocks are important because they prevent polyspermy (fertilization of an egg by multiple sperm that results in abnormal chromosome numbers and uneven centriole content). A23187 is an ionophore that triggers the release of calcium. There are two hypotheses as to where this calcium is originating, outside of the egg or from calcium stores within the egg.
In ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Breastfeeding Basics
How much do you know about breastfeeding? Find out with this quiz!
The Plant Body
This quiz will test your knowledge of the anatomy of a common plant.
Do You Know Your Macromolecules?
This quiz will assess your knowledge of the macromolecules that are important to living things.
Understanding the Musculoskeletal system
Introduce and understand basic information how the skeletal system and muscular system work in close concert with one another. And how their interaction between muscle and bone, as they work together to allow us movement.
Infant Development: Sleep
How much do you know about infant sleep? Test your knowledge with this quiz.