THE LIPID COMPONENTS IN THE VITELLINE MEMBRANE OF ASCARIS LUMBRICOIDES EGGS

Abstract

The preparation of embryonated ascaris eggs enclosed only by the vitelline membrane is described. No impairment of membrane structure or function was observed. Membrane and larval fractions were separated, and their lipids analyzed. The membrane lipids were nearly all unsaponifiable, and consisted mainly of ascaryl alcohol. Larval lipids were primarily saponifiable, but also contained significant amounts of ascaryl alcohol, and nearly all of the sterols. Because the vitelline membrane dissolved in chloroform and similar solvents, ascaryl alcohol was judged to be a major component. The results are compared with previous observations and hypotheses concerning the vitelline membrane of nematode eggs.