Procedure
1.
Gametes from healthy adult Lytechinus variegates were
collected and fertilized following Gamete collection and
Fertilization protocol.
a. Gamete
collection
i. 3 mL of 0.5 M KCl was injected to
induce spawning.
ii. Using Artificial Sea Water (ASW),
eggs were collected in a beaker, washed and stored
at room temperature. Sperm were stored at 4 °C in a small
test tube after collection in a dry Petri dish.
b. Fertilization
i. 5 mL of eggs were allowed to
settle in a test tube after being transferred from the beaker.
All but 2 mL of ASW were pipetted out.
ii. Three drops of sperm were diluted
in 5 mL of ASW (diluted sperm) five minutes before use
because viability in water is short-term.
iii. Diluted sperm were observed with
a compound microscope to ensure motility.
iv. Eggs were fertilized with 2 drops
of diluted sperm.
v. ASW was added until the tube was
90% full 5 minutes post-fertilization.
vi. A depression slide was used to
view 2-3 drops of eggs 10 minutes post-fertilization.
vii. Fertilization envelopes were
observed.
2.
Fertilized eggs were divided into three Petri dishes,
control, Treatment A, and Treatment B.
3.
ASW was added to control treatment, labeled, and moved to a
secure location to develop.
4.
After the fertilized eggs in Treatment A reached the two
cell stage (70-90 minutes post-fertilization), excess ASW
liquid was removed and eggs were re-suspended in
calcium-free seawater, photograph taken.
5.
The fertilized eggs in Treatment B were allowed to develop
until they reached the blastula stage (about 12 hours
post-fertilization).
6.
Excess ASW removed from Treatment B and replaced with
calcium-free seawater.
7.
Embryos continued to develop and photos were taken
throughout a 24 hour period and compared to the control
embryos which developed only in ASW.
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