Genetic Variation Of Freshwater Sponges Assessed By Histocompatibility Bioassays

Abstract

Two types of histocompatibility bioassays were used to assess the genetic variability within a population of Ephydatia muelleri, a freshwater sponge found at the north and south ends of Salmon Lake. One type of assay, relying on outgrowth from gemmules, did not work because of poor gemmule viability. The second type of assay, involving grafts of sponge tissue, indicated that the lake contains a single strain of E. muelleri.