Untersuchungen über Ultrastruktur und Aminosäurenzusammensetzung der Eischalen vonNatrix natrix

Summary

The ultrastructures of eggshells ofNatrix natrix and the membrana testacea ofGallus gallus dom. are very similar, with the exception of cavity systems which only exist in eggshells of snakes (ringsnake) but not in the membrana testacea of birds. In the sheath of the fibres ofNatrix natrix, a positive ruthenium redreaction indicates the presence of mucopolysacharides, or proteoglycans. The eggshells ofNatrix natrix contain a high proportion of proline, but also of cystine, histidine and arginine. The high proline content is discussed with regard to the properties of poly-l-proline. Presumably proteins similar to collagen exist in eggshells ofNatrix natrix.