42 GEORGE T. HARGITT 



theory is confirmed, viz., that basic granules in the cytoplasm 

 contain nucleic acid components, which are similar to the 

 nucleic acid compounds within the nucleus. Moreover, it ap- 

 pears quite probable that this cytoplasmic nucleic acid has come 

 from the nucleus, van Herwerden having followed a nuclear 

 emission in living echinoderm eggs. From this evidence we are 

 warranted in believing that the passage of chromatic material 

 (nucleic acid compounds) into the cytoplasm is a reality. Ac- 

 cording to the tests on echinoderms, it is the basophile granules 

 near the nuclear wall in young oocytes which represent this 

 material; probably the similarly placed granules in the coelen- 

 terate eggs are the same substance. 



The determination of the functions of these bodies is not so 

 simple, and there is a good deal of difference in interpretation. 

 Hegner believes the chromatin bodies in egg cells are germ-cell 

 determinants; Goldschmidt thinks they represent the chromatin 

 which is responsible for all the vegetative functions of the germ 

 cells; Schaxel looks upon them as regulating some of the cell 

 functions, but not governing all vegetative activities; the author 

 has held the view that they are related to yolk production, and 

 possibly have an enzyme action in stimulating growth and 

 synthesis of reserve food in eggs. Others view these bodies as 

 of no significance in cell metabolism. If they play a single 

 definite part in the cell metabolism, further work is necessary 

 for a decision. My own impression would lead me to discard 

 the view of a total absence of any significance. 



V. CHROMOSOMES 



The maturation phenomena, characteristic of germ cells, are 

 exhibited by both male and female germ cells of coelenterates. 

 In the egg cells polar bodies are formed by means of mitosis, and 

 a reduced number of chromosomes remain in the egg. This 

 reduction apparently takes place at the beginning of the growth 

 of the oocyte, and evidence is not lacking of a conjugation of 

 chromosomes. The coelenterates do not appear to offer material 

 favorable for the determination of the method by which such 

 conjugation is accomplished. Differences are noticeable in such 



