Induction of pairing in male scale worm Harmothoe imbricata (Polychaeta: Polynoidae) by chemical signals
Gaudron, S.M.; Watson, G.J.; Bentley, M.G. (2007). Induction of pairing in male scale worm Harmothoe imbricata (Polychaeta: Polynoidae) by chemical signals. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K. 87(5): 1115-1116. https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315407055816
In: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Cambridge University Press/Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom: Cambridge. ISSN 0025-3154; e-ISSN 1469-7769, more
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Authors | | Top |
- Gaudron, S.M.
- Watson, G.J.
- Bentley, M.G.
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Abstract |
A behavioural assay based on a 'homosexual' response in males has revealed that female Harmothoe imbricata release a substance that induces pair formation. Extracts from unfertilized spawned oocytes (diameter approximately 120 µm), but not sub-mature oocytes (90 µm diameter) removed directly from the coelomic cavity, have significant pair formation-inducing activity in comparison to the control. Preliminary results indicate that the substance is stable under standard purification techniques and larger than 10 kDa, as well as being heat and trypsin insensitive. |
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