Histochemical studies on reproductive and nutritional cycles of the holothurian,Holothuria scabra

Histochemical observations were made of seasonal changes of protein, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids in different tissues of Holothuria scabra. Accumulation of organic components in the gonads were observed with the advance of maturity. Protein and lipids were found to be important as storage materials for utilization during development. A sexcorrelated variation of nucleic acids was evident in the gonads. Intestinal protein and lipids were found to be utilized by the gonads during the reproductive cycle; carbohydrates seemed to be of lesser importance.