The Composition of the Seminal Plasma of Balanus Balanus

Abstract

1. The results of some chemical analyses for inorganic and organic constituents of the seminal plasma of Balanus balanus are presented. 2. The inorganic ions show a cation deficit of 178 m-equiv./l., which is probably made up by free amino-acids. 3. Cystine is a prominent amino acid present. 4. Potassium and calcium are present in excess of their quantities in sea water. 5. Reducing sugars, compared with the amount found in sea-urchin spermatozoa, are found in moderate quantities, 1 mg./ml. 6. Phosphorus of all kinds is present in only small quantities (total of o.14 mg./ml.). 7. Some phosphatases are present. 8. There are 21 /µg./ml. of ascorbic acid; the function of this is discussed in relation to its possible contribution to the protective action against the poisoning of -SH groups by thiol-reactive agents.