The utilization of various biochemical entities in gonadally mature Balanus balanoides (L.) under starvaton and feeding in the absence of copulation

Copulation was prevented by isolation in Balanus balanoides (L.) and the changes in total body weight, carbohydrate, lipid, protein, RNA, and DNA followed when the animals were starved and fed; the results are compared with those on animals allowed to copulate with the consequent loss of semen and laying down of egg lamellae. General body tissues, semen, and ovaries are found not to be isolated compartments; on starvation both semen and ovary contribute to general metabolism, the former to a greater extent. Even when the isolated animals are fed there is still an almost complete resorption of semen, but the ovary is largely maintained. Possible control mechanisms are discussed.