Importance of albumen content in whole-body protein synthesis of the chicken embryo during incubation.

The importance of egg albumen content in whole-body protein synthesis was investigated in developing chicken embryos by using lines genetically selected for high and low albumen contents and by removing albumen from eggs before incubation. 2. Whole-body protein synthesis was estimated by injecting L-[15N]-phenylalanine intravenously on day 12 of incubation. 3. Embryos from high albumen eggs had higher whole-body protein synthesis rates than those from low albumen eggs. 4. Whole-body protein synthesis was reduced by the removal of albumen from eggs before incubation. 5. It was concluded that albumen content per se was of crucial importance in regulating whole-body protein synthesis in chicken embryos during incubation.