Studies in the biochemistry of cirripede eggs. I. Changes in the general biochemical composition during development ofBalanus balanoidesandB. balanus

Abstract

The biochemical composition–water, glucose, soluble and insoluble glycogen, protein and non-protein nitrogen, total lipid–of the eggs of Balanus balanoides and B. balanus has been determined during development.Preliminary analyses of the pigment content are reported.The changes in both species are similar; but they take place more rapidly in B. balanus with its shorter period of embryonic development.During development there is a net loss of all fractions; small increases of glucose and soluble nitrogen are, however, found at certain stages.The pigment is largely a chromolipid; during the early stages of development this increases, but is subsequently lost; astaxanthin is also present. The visual appearance is a poor guide to pigment content.The oxygen uptake of the eggs has been measured.There is a discrepancy between the oxygen uptake measured directly and that required to oxidize the substrate lost; the causes of this are discussed.The results are discussed relative to the habitats of the species.