Influence of ultraviolet radiation on the embryonic development of sea urchins

Abstract

       Experiments with sea-urchin eggs and sperm exposed to ultra-violet radia­tion are described. The 2,537 Å radiation ranging from 6,3 to 48,9 X 10⁵ ergs/cm² resulted in retardation of both the fertilization process and the embryonic deve­lopment, while the creation of a normal fertilization membrane was prevented and atypical division as well as cytolysis were caused.

       The retardation of fertilization and embryonic development, the atypical division and cytolisis have most probably been consequences of radiation effects on the nuclei while the interference with the creation of a normal fertilization membrane probably resulted from a damage to cytoplasm.