Abstract

A quantitative study was made of changes in the shape of cells in double explants of the blastocoel roof of the clawed frog gastrula within the first four hours after artificial bending of explants. It was found that, on the concave (contracted) side of explants, epithelial cells stretched out, and in many of them the apical surface contracted, whereas on the convex (stretched) side the cells remained isodiametric. The maximal difference in the apical index between epithelial cells located on the concave and convex sides was observed after 2 h of explant cultivation; by 2 h the artificially produced curvature of the explant further increased. Endocytosis on the concave side was more active than on the convex side. Experiments with inhibitors modulating the behavior of the actomyosin complex showed that unimpeded functioning of myosin II is more important for the apical contraction and elongation of cells than proper structural organization of the actin backbone.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.