The lack of an effect of magnesium on the uptake of amino acids by the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

Abstract The effects of magnesium on the influx, net entry, and efflux of amino acids by larvae of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus were investigated. Kinetic studies revealed that the influx of alanine is not dependent on external magnesium. In addition, influx and net entry are equivalent, as determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and are independent of ambient magnesium concentrations.