Abstract
Summary
A. The applicability of the Boyle-van't Hoff law to the swelling of spermatozoa of the sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata, in hypotonic solutions of effective concentrations varying from 42.4 to 88.5% sea water was investigated. Cell volumes were determined by centrifuging in small capillaries in an air turbine at 20,000 x gravity.
B. In the range of dilutions employed, the Boyle-van't Hoff law appeared to be followed. The “osmotically inactive fraction” (“b”) averaged 33%. Thus the sperm head, which is chiefly chromosomal material, has a non-swellable volume which does not differ greatly from that of certain other cells. The results indicate that the chromosomes take part in the osmotic swelling of the cell.
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