Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Use Of Fluorescence Microscopy In An Assay Of Sperm Density For The Gorgonian Coral, Plexaura Kuna, Timothy D. Swain, K. Kim, H. R. Lasker

Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Proceedings, Presentations, Speeches, Lectures

The density of sperm in the water column during the broadcast spawning events of marine invertebrates is often undetermined or reported in terms of fertilization potential. The density of sperm during such events can be determined by directly counting numbers of spermatozoa using a modification of the acridine orange direct count (AODC) technique for enumerating bacteria. A number of variables in the handling and processing of samples may bias estimates. Sample collection in glass and rapid fixation and filtration are necessary for reproducible estimates. Once filtered, samples are stable for many months, and counts on filters that were poorly stained …