The use of X-ray microanalysis to demonstrate the uptake of the molluscicide copper sulphate by slug eggs.
Copper has been localized in copper sulphate treated eggs of the slug Agriolimax reticulatus (Mü). This has been accomplished using a freeze-fracture technique, the freeze-dried halves of the fractured eggs being analysed in the scanning electron microscope, using both energy dispersive and wavelength dispersive X-ray microanalysis systems. The distribution of copper obtained using these methods has been compared with that achieved using a standard histochemical technique. Both techniques revealed that the copper is initially retained in the perivitelline membranes. The application of X-ray microanalysis to such studies is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D003300:Copper / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005614:Freeze Fracturing; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods; D008974:Mollusca / Q000378:metabolism*; D010063:Ovum / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013431:Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism*
D013431:Sulfates; D003300:Copper