ISSN:
0362-2525
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
The ctenophore, Vallicula multiformis (V. multiformis) (Rankin), can reproduce asexully by segregating pieces of tissue from its periphery. These pieces of tissue then differentiate to form new individuals. In 99% of the cases the pieces of tissue form normal animals; however in 1% of the cases they form “half animals” which have only one set of tentacles (the animal normally has two sets of tentacles). V. multiformis can also regenerate its apical organ, and one or both sets of tentacles.By cutting V. multiformis in half through the apical organ along the sagittal plane it is possible to produce “half animals” in 30% of the cases. “Half animals” can reproduce asexually. In 6% of the cases the new individuals which form from them differentiate as “half animals.” A part of a “half animal” that contains an apical organ will regenerate as a “half animal” while a part that does not contain an apical organ will regenerate as a normal individual. If one removes the apical organ from a “half animal,” it will regenerate it. A part of this animal containing the regenerated apical organ will regenerate as a “half animal.” If one removes the apical organ from a “half animal” and replaces it with the apical organ of a normal individual, the part containing the apical organ will regenerate as a normal individual. The results of these experiments are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms that control the process of regeneration.
Additional Material:
8 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jmor.1051230107
