| The characterization and biological activity of a 29 kD surface glycoprotein in the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis that functions as a contact mate recognition pheromone (MRP) is described. The MRP is responsible for eliciting the typical male mating behavior exhibited for Brachionus plicatilis and other brachionids. The MRP binds to receptors in the corona of males and blocks mate recognition. Blocking was observed in all six strains. A polyclonal antibody to this glycoprotein (Anti-MRP) binds to the body surface of Brachionus plicatilis females and this binding results in a decrease in the ability of males to mate. However, binding in two other species of Brachionus did not block mating. This antibody also bound to nine freshwater rotifer species in sites important for mating behavior in the species studied. Mating behavior in eight species of monogonont rotifers from five different families of Monogononts (Asplanchnidae, Brachionidae, Euchlanidae, Lecanidae, and Trichocercidae) is described. |
