BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF LYSOSOMES IN UNFERTILIZED EGGS OF XENOPUS-LAEVIS

Relations between amphibian egg lysosomes and yolk platelets were suggested. The presence of acid hydrolases in oocytes induced to ovulate in vitro is shown. About 40% of the acid hydrolases are found in a sedimentable fraction, and, in accordance with the lysosomal concept, they display structural latency. Biochemical data did not indicate any association between lysosomal enzymes and yolk platelets. The mechanism of yolk resorption is discussed. The fusion of lysosomes and yolk platelets may be one of the mechanisms involved in yolk digestion.