Summary
Explosive spermatozoid release inLaminaria digitata is triggered by a pheromone secreted by female gametes. Dependence of the pheromone action on extracellular cations was investigated in defined test media using a pure pheromone preparation. The experimental results indicate successive processes in the sensory system and are summarized in a hypothesis on the release mechanism. The polysaccharide composition of the antheridial cell wall and the mucilage surrounding the spermatozoid was identified by cytochemical methods.
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Maier, I. New aspects of pheromone-triggered spermatozoid release inLaminaria digitata (Phaeophyta) . Protoplasma 113, 137–143 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01282003
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01282003