STUDIES ON THE ACROSOME. I. REACTION TO EGG-WATER AND OTHER STIMULI

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Abstract
1. Spermatozoa of two sea urchin species were fixed with formalin in sea water, egg-water and sea water of pH 9.2, and observations of fixed specimens made with phase contrast and electron microscopes were compared with phase contrast observation in the living state. 2. In response to egg-water, a reaction is called forth which is interpreted as a breakdown of the acrosomal membrane, by which a labile mass of substance is exposed at the tip of the spermatozoan head. 3. This same reaction is induced by exposure to sea water of pH 9.2, and by contact with solid surfaces.