THE EFFECT OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON THE FERTILIZING POWER OF ARBACIA SPERM

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Abstract
It is shown that ultraviolet radiation of Arbacia sperm augments the loss of fertilizing power normally resulting from dilution or from "staling" of sperm suspension. The degree of the effect, measured by motility, fertilizing power, subsequent cleavage, and normality of larvae, is roughly proportional to the dosage of radiation, and to the dilution of the sperm suspension. Fertilizing power decreases more rapidly than does motility. Fertilization is incomplete when normal eggs are fertilized by radiated sperm, and may, in some cases, lead only to membrane formation. The loss of fertilizing power is probably due to the sperm''s loss by outward diffusion of some substance necessary for fertilization. Ultraviolet radiation increases the loss of fertilizing power, presumably by altering the surface of the sperm, thereby increasing its permeability. Ultraviolet radiation also produces a permanent irreversible agglutination of sperm.

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