Abstract
SUMMARY: Neither phosphagens nor phosphagen phosphotransferase activity could be detected inFasciola hepatica, Hymenolepis diminuta, Moniezia expansaor in the plerocercoids ofLigula intestinalis. The plerocercoids ofSchistocephalus solidus, however, possess an active taurocyamine phosphotransferase, although it too contains no detectable phosphagens. The taurocyamine phosphotransferase ofS. solidushas an absolute requirement for a divalent metal ion and ATP could not be replaced by ITP, GTP, CTP, or UTP as the phosphate donor. The role of phosphagens in helminths is discussed.