[Formation of the fertilization membrane of the egg inArtemia salina].

The unfertilized egg ofArtemia salina is not covered with any extracellular structure. No special organelles are found in the sub-cortical plasma. From the moment of fertilization, a membrane is progressively secreted by the egg. The membranogenous substance is first seen as large granules in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, presumably transformed within Golgi elements and extruded in vesicles liberated from the Golgi apparatus. Retained by a glycocoat or by contact with the fluid of the genital tract, it spreads out into a fertilization membrane, soon surrounding a perivitelline space. The process lasts till 1 1/2 h after fertilization.