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Isolation of a spermatozoid-releasing and -attracting substance from female gametophytes of Laminaria digitata

Nature volume 279, pages 430–431 (1979)Cite this article

Abstract

SEVERAL dioecious marine brown algae have been valuable in studying chemical communication during sexual reproduction. For example, female gametes of Ectocarpus siliculosus, Cutleria multifida and Fucus serratus secrete olefinic hydrocarbons into the seawater to attract male gametes1–3. A more complex system is found in the order Laminariales, which includes the large kelps. Mature female gametophytes in members of this group secrete highly volatile material with spermatozoid-attracting activity, which also induces explosive discharge of antheridia4. We report here a study of this volatile material. It is now possible to attribute spermatozoid-releasing and -attracting activity to one specific compound.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fachbereich Biologie, Universität Konstanz, D-7750, Konstanz, FRG

    D. G. MÜLLER

  2. Biologische Anstalt, D-2192, Helgoland, FRG

    G. GASSMANN & K. LÜNING

Authors
  1. D. G. MÜLLER
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  2. G. GASSMANN
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  3. K. LÜNING
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MÜLLER, D., GASSMANN, G. & LÜNING, K. Isolation of a spermatozoid-releasing and -attracting substance from female gametophytes of Laminaria digitata. Nature 279, 430–431 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1038/279430a0

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