Summary
The pattern of divisions in the thallus of Pelvetia compressa embryos was determined with respect to the embryonic growth axis. To detect all possible division planes, embryos were viewed from two vantages which permitted observations of (1) the thallus pole and (2) the longitudinal embryonic profile. Following formation of rhizoid and thallus cells by any asymmetrical division transverse to the embryonic axis that is established prior to any divisions, the thallus cell divided twice along the embryonic axis (axial divisions) in orthogonal planes, and then divided transverse to the growth axis. This division pattern produced an eight-cell thallus with four cells in each of two layers. The spatial relation between gravity and the first axial division was investigated, and gravity was found to have little effect on the alignment of this division. The reproducible pattern of divisions in the thallus indicates spatial control of spindle positioning.
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Abbreviations
- ASW:
-
artificial seawater
- AF:
-
after fertilization
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Henderson, D.C., Bisgrove, S.R., Hable, W.E. et al. Division patterns in the thallus of Pelvetia compressa embryos and the effects of gravity. Protoplasma 203, 112–117 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01280593
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01280593