9507456 Kormanik Sharks provide models, not only for studying the metabolic handling of waste nitrogen, but also the means by which nitrogen is provided for developing embryos. Uterine tissue will examined for potential carrier enzymes associated with the transfer of ammonia. Acid secretion associated with detoxification of this ammonia will be examined. Ammonia nitrogen incorporation into the embryo will also be measured. Undergraduates will be engaged and trained in all steps of the investigation. Information gained will be useful to those studying evolution of nitrogen metabolism, modelling nitrogen waste processing in fish and other animals as well as of practical use to those involved in the study of ammonia toxicity in mariculture of fish and other aquatic organisms. ***
