title: The use of X-ray microanalysis to demonstrate the uptake of the molluscicide copper sulphate by slug eggs.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D013431:Sulfates; D003300:Copper