The Energy-Sources in Ontogenesis
1. The percentage growth-rate curves for carbohydrate and protein in the chick enbryo have been determined and compared with those already in the literature for the percentage growth-rates of the whole embryo, the dry substance, the fat, and the calorific value. 2. The composition of the embryo in gm. per cent, of dry weight has been calculated and an ontogenetic succession of carbohydrate, protein, and fat, has been brought to light. These three cell-constituents are at their highest levels in the embryo at 4, 11 and 20 days of incubation respectively. This may be correlated with the succession of maximum intensities of combustion, which have the same order (about 5,8.5 and about 18 days). 3. By comparing the curves for absorption-intensity with those representing the constitution of the embryo, it has been possible to trace the passage of building-materials from the yolk and white into the embryo and to analyse still further the movements of the fat and carbohydrate fractions. 4. The concentration of the carbohydrate and protein in the water of the embryonic body has been calculated and compared with a curve already in existence for fat. 5. The curve for intensity of absorption of total foodstuff has been calculated from the results of chemical analyses. It agrees as well as can be expected at present with that calculated from the oxygen consumption and the increase of dry substance in the embryo. 6. The ratio Carbohydrate : Protein decreases during development, thus falling into line with the ratios Water : Solid, Inorganic Substance : Organic Substance, and Protein : Fat. Certain speculations arising out of these facts are discussed. 7. There is a relation of simultaneity between the combustion of carbohydrate, protein, and fat, and the part these types of molecule play in the constitution of the whole embryo.