Intracellular pH during calcification. A study of the avian shell gland

Abstract

The intracellular pH of the shell gland of the domestic fowl was calculated at various stages in egg-shell formation. The calculation is based on the distribution of 5,5-dimethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione between intracellular and extracellular water. The results show a rapid fall in intracellular pH at the time of mineralization and this is interpreted as indicating a removal of protons from the site of calcification.