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Sea
Urchin Embryo Toxicological Model
Sea
urchins populate a number of marine habitats, ranging from rocky intertid=
al
zones in temperate waters to coral reefs. Ecotoxicologists use the embryos
from sea urchins to measure the toxicity a chemical has on the developmen=
t of
the embryo. Using sea urchin embryos as a model organism and developmental
state has a number of advantages when determining the potential impact a
contaminant or a mixture of pollutants may have on this species or on a
marine invertebrate community. (1) Early stag=
es of
development are usually much more sensitive to the effects of a contamina=
nt,
hence chronic, low concentrations of a contaminant may produce readily
observable effects in the development of the embryo that may not be readi=
ly
observed in the mature specimen. (2) The early =
stages
of embryonic development can progress quite rapidly, within a matter of d=
ays,
thereby making this model organism ideal for rapid generation of data. (3) Sea urchin=
s can
be obtained locally, providing a relevant context to the data generated in
regards to specific ecosystems and locations. (4) Sea urchin=
s can
be readily cultured in the laboratory over many generations, providing a
minimal impact to the local environment. (5) Inexpensiv=
e -
the cost of obtaining the proper permits, collection, culturing, and
conducting toxicity assays with sea urchin embryos is one of the least
expensive model toxicological systems. (6) Environmen=
tal
Significance - If a contaminant is found to have an adverse effect at a
particular concentration, the data can easily be integrated into an
environmental risk assessment to determine at what concentration the
contaminant poses a risk to the sustainability of a population. Haereticus
Environmental Laboratory has used this model to test the toxicological
effects and determine the mechanism of toxicity of a number of
environmentally relevant chemicals. These chemicals include components in
anti-fouling paints, sun screen lotions, agrichemicals, and industrial wa=
ste
products. |
![3D"http://haereticus-lab.org/web%20page%20sea%20urchin.jpg"](3D"SeaUrchinEmbryoToxicologicalModel1_files/image002.jpg")
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First
cell division of a sea urchin embryo. |
Advanced
cleavage state. |
Pluteus
developmental state of a sea urchin. |
![3D"http://haereticus-lab.org/Cleavage%201.jpg"](3D"SeaUrchinEmbryoToxicologicalModel1_files/image004.jpg")
![3D"http://haereticus-lab.org/Cleavage.jpg"](3D"SeaUrchinEmbryoToxicologicalModel1_files/image006.jpg")
![3D"http://haereticus-lab.org/Pluteus.jpg"](3D"SeaUrchinEmbryoToxicologicalModel1_files/image008.jpg")