Sea urchin fertilization calcium wave

Here, five unfertilized sea urchin eggs have been microinjected with a calcium indicator (and a tiny oil droplet to mark injected eggs). Sperm binding to the egg initiates an signaling cascade that results in the release of calcium from intracellular stores. Calcium release begins at the point of sperm contact and propagates through the cell as a wave. One of the consequences of calcium release is exocytosis of cortical granules and elevation of the fertilization envelope. Eventually, calcium is reabsorbed back into intracellular stores.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Sea
• urchin
• fertilization
• calcium
• wave
• lytechinus
• variegatus

[empbass]

Is it real time?