6. Echinoid Fertilization and Development

Fertilization, the event following gametogenesis, can be easily studied in the sea urchin. Gametes are readily obtainable by injecting the adults with KCl, and the events of fertilization and development in this organism have been well worked out.

In this chapter, students are given detailed background information on the morphological and biochemical events of fertilization and development.

Tables of availability of gametes and developmental rates are included.

Experimental procedures are given for:

Observing fertilization
Interfering with fertilization
Inducing parthenogenesis
Recording developmental stages