Conditions de digestion et activité de quelques polysaccharidases dans le tube digestif de l'oursin Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata)

The pH level of the gut fluid of the echinoid P. lividus is slightly acidic and its oxygen content is low (from 5 to 8%). An amylase and a cellulase-like enzyme are secreted by the echinoid stomach. Amylolytic activities have been detected also in food pellets from the stomach and from the posterior part of the intestine. This activity of intestinal pellets could be of microbial origin.