Abstract
THE echinoid Diadema responds to changes in illumination by moving its spines. This reaction has long been known to be a reflex mediated by the radial nerves1,2 and, though morphologically differentiated photoreceptors have not yet been found, good evidence exists that the nervous elements themselves are sensitive to light. This was first suggested by finding that the distribution of sensitivity over the body surface coincided with that of the superficial nervous system2. Later, more direct evidence came from experiments in which spine movements were brought about by stimulating directly the radial nerve with a minute spot of light3.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
von Uexküll, J., Z. Biol., 40, 447 (1900).
Millott, N., Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc., B, 238, 187 (1954)
Yoshida, M., and Millott, N., Experientia, 15, 13 (1959)
Millott, N., and Yoshida, M., J. Exp. Biol., 37, 363 (1960).
Millott, N., and Yoshida, M., J. Exp. Biol., 37, 376 (1960)
Yoshida, M., J. Exp. Biol., 39, 589 (1962).
Millott, N., and Takahashi, K., Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc., B, 246, 437 (1963).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
TAKAHASHI, K. Electrical Responses to Light Stimuli in the Isolated Radial Nerve of the Sea Urchin, Diadema setosum (Leske). Nature 201, 1343–1344 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1038/2011343a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/2011343a0
This article is cited by
-
High opsin diversity in a non-visual infaunal brittle star
BMC Genomics (2014)
-
The genome of Mesobuthus martensii reveals a unique adaptation model of arthropods
Nature Communications (2013)
-
The significance of the radial nerve cords in asteroids and echinoids
Zeitschrift f�r Zellforschung und Mikroskopische Anatomie (1970)
-
Pigmentation in the Radial Nerve of Diadema antillarum
Nature (1968)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.