A Method for Cytogenetic and Cytological Examination of Small Shelled Larvae of Bivalves and Other Zooplankton

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Abstract
Studies on chromosomes and nuclei of very small bivalve larvae have been impeded by the veliger shell. It has been determined that the alcohokacetic acid fixative commonly used in cytogenetic techniques can be made to act as a decalcifying agent upon repeated heating. In addition, transfer of formalin fixed shelled specimens, routinely used as marine bioassay organisms, into ethyl alcohohacetic acid (3:1) fixative also yields clear cells for cytological examination of decalcified but otherwise intact oyster larvae and other zoo-plankton. Identification of cell type, such as germ-line primordia, in, for example, reproductive and ploidy level studies, and observations on the presence of bacteria can be made from the preparations. Material can be examined up to at least a year after preservation. The method is evaluated and its modifications are discussed.