Proteins and disulfide groups in the aggregation of dissociated cells of sea sponges.

A sponge extract that produced specific aggregation of dissociated cells was treated with various enzyme preparations to determine which enzymes would destroy its aggregating properties. The results indicate that proteins play a key role in the aggregating effect of the extract on dissociated, glutaraldehyde-fixed sponge cells. Further studies confirm the necessity of calcium for the aggregation and indicate the necessity of intact disulfide groups.