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Induction of pairing in male scale worm Harmothoe imbricata (Polychaeta: Polynoidae) by chemical signals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 October 2007

S.M. Gaudron
Affiliation:
School of Marine Science and Technology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
G.J. Watson
Affiliation:
Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY, UK
M.G. Bentley
Affiliation:
School of Marine Science and Technology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK

Abstract

A behavioural assay based on a ‘homosexual’ response in males has revealed that female Harmothoe imbricata release a substance that induces pair formation. Extracts from unfertilized spawned oocytes (diameter approximately 120 μm), but not sub-mature oocytes (90 μm diameter) removed directly from the coelomic cavity, have significant pair formation-inducing activity in comparison to the control. Preliminary results indicate that the substance is stable under standard purification techniques and larger than 10 kDa, as well as being heat and trypsin insensitive.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
2007 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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