[Dynamics of the regional metabolic differences in the early development of the sea urchin].

The regional differences in Strongylocentrotus intermedius from the stage of 32 blastomeres till the middlelate gastrula stage were studied by the vital and supravital staining (intensity of oxidative-reductive processes), the incorporation of 3H-leucine (intensity of protein synthesis) and 14C-acrilamide (intensity of free radical processes). Two periods of rapid switches of metabolic intensity correlated within the same embryo were established. The beginning of the first period coincides with the onset of blastula epithelization and that of the second one with the onset of gastrulation. The metabolic "patterns" are multivariant up to the second switch although, in the most cases, the metabolic activity of the equatorial area is the lowest. From the onset of gastrulation the metabolic patterns become uniform: the vegetative area dominates by the intensity of precursors' incorporation and by the sensitivity of its respiratory systems to the oxygen deficiency. The relationships between the metabolic and morphological rearrangements are discussed.