As
the egg ages, moisture and carbon dioxide leave through the pores of the shell,
air enters to replace them and the air cell becomes larger. Egg shown to right
is one week old. An
air cell (space) forms when the contents of the egg cool and contract after the
egg is laid. The air cell usually rests between the outer and inner membranes
at the egg’s larger end. (see:
Anatomy
of a Chicken Egg) |