#blastula

[prenic-a: please feel free to jump in if I got any of this this wrong!]

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For a better understanding of DNA manipulation, Acetabularia provides us with a pleasingly simple case of development: a single cell, one nucleus and a comparatively uncomplicated structure. But how do we explain the development of a complex multicellular organism? In particular how do we explain the fact that the various cells of the embryo differentiate into distinct types of cell despite the fact that they are all derivatives of one original cell, the fertilized egg? What makes this even more remarkable is the fact that the embryo is effectively sealed off from the outside world. Only respiratory gases pass across the membrane surrounding it and we are forced to conclude that everything required for the formation of a differentiated multicellular embryo is present in the fertilized egg right from the start.                   THE ROLE OF THE CYTOPLASM In genetic engineering or any other form of DNA manipulation there is considerable evidence that, however important the nucleus may be, the cytoplasm also plays a significant part in the process of differentiation. One has only to look at a mature egg to appreciate that the cytoplasm shows considerable differentiation even before fertilization occurs. Mitochondria, RNA, and pigment granules are found towards the metabolically active animal pole, whereas the heavier yolk granules are concentrated towards the more inert vegetal pole. Read the full article

Microscopic view of whitefish blastula

2016, 44 X 30″, oil on denril

Fun little sea urchin blastulas spinning around in the microscope #science #biology #microscopy #developmentalbiology #seaurchin #blastula

“MecaGen simulation of Sea Urchin blastula”