A cortical granule-specific enzyme, B-1,3-glucanase, in sea urchin eggs

Gamete Res. 1987 Dec;18(4):339-48. doi: 10.1002/mrd.1120180408.

Abstract

The ultrastructural localization of B-1,3-glucanase in three species of sea urchin eggs was determined using a monospecific antibody in an electronmicroscopic immunogold procedure. In all three species, Lytechinus variegatus, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and Arbacia punctulata, B-1,3-glucanase was localized specifically to the cortical granules. No other organelle within the egg contained significant label. During the fertilization reaction, B-1,3-glucanase was released from cortical granules into the perivitelline space and became associated with the hyaline layer. No significant label was found in association with the fertilization envelope.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / enzymology*
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Glucan 1,3-beta-Glucosidase
  • Glucosidases / analysis*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Ovum / enzymology*
  • Ovum / physiology
  • Ovum / ultrastructure
  • Sea Urchins
  • Species Specificity
  • beta-Glucosidase / analysis*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Glucosidases
  • beta-Glucosidase
  • Glucan 1,3-beta-Glucosidase