Summary. An X-ray spectral analysis (EDAX) of isolated undischarged nematocysts of various cnidarians (Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, Anthozoa) revealed the presence of extremely high concentrations of divalent cations. In Hydra nematocysts both Ca 2+ (conc. 0.36 gmole/mg dry cysts) and Mg 2+ (conc. 0.80 ~tmole/mg dry cysts) ions add up to a total in situ concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 M. More than 85% of the cations, which are believed to be involved in cyst discharge, are contained in the soluble fraction of the cysts, where they must be bound to high molecular weight molecules.
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