Journal article

Publication year: 1997

Pages: 307-319

Journal: Zoology

Volume number: 100

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 0944-2006

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
The present paper gives an account of our present knowledge about the physiology of early embryogenesis in the spiralians. A major trait of spiralian embryos is the rapid diversification among the blastomeres. Both cleavage asymmetry and ooplasmic segregation determine the dorsal fate of the largest (D-)quadrant in unequally cleaving embryos as well as the fate of larval structures in certain tiers of micromeres among both equally and unequally cleaving embryos. The cleavage pattern in the D-quadrant differs from that of the other quadrants and biases the rapid proliferation of the 2d- and 4d-cell line. Blastomeres within the D-quadrant play a role as organizers, and cellular interactions with these organizers makes the other cells adapt their cleavage strategies to accomplish a dorsoventral harmonious pattern. An analysis of cell fates of larval and post-larval cell line precursors in cleavage-arrested Platynereis embryos shows that the cells get specified asynchronously and by different mechanisms.

Harvard Citation style: Dorresteijn, A. (1997) How do spiralian embryos accomplish cell diversity?, Zoology, 100(4), pp. 307-319

APA Citation style: Dorresteijn, A. (1997). How do spiralian embryos accomplish cell diversity?. Zoology. 100(4), 307-319.