Some Observations Upon the chemical Composition of the Starfish Asterias Rubens L., with Particular Reference to Strontium Uptake

Abstract

The publication in 1953 of the English language translation of Vinogradov＇s massive compilation of data upon the chemical composition of numerous animals was a valuable landmark in this field of study. Since then, papers too numerous to summarize, have appeared in the literature employing ever more accurate analytical techniques. So far as marine animals in particular are concerned, the theme which has been consolidated by such subsequent work revolves around their ability to extract and concentrate a variety of chemical elements from their environment. Frequently, however, no obvious function can be ascribed to the more obscure of these often highly concentrated elements.