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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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© 2001 Cebra-Thomas

Last Modified: 26 April, 2001


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