Mergner H. (1970). Ergebnisse der Entwicklungsphysiologie bei Spongilliden. In: Fry WG (ed) The Biology of the Porifera. Zoological Society of London, Academic Press London, pp 365-397.
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Mergner H
1970
Ergebnisse der Entwicklungsphysiologie bei Spongilliden
In: Fry WG (ed) The Biology of the Porifera. Zoological Society of London, Academic Press London, pp 365-397
Publication
Proceedings of the 1st International Sponge Conference
Y oung individuals of Spongillidae are highly suitable for investigations of cytophysiology and developmental physiology because of their transparency. The techniques which have been used by various workers for the culture of spongillids are reviewed. Although the tissues of young spongillids contain cells of only a few types, these cells have a great variety of potencies. The morphogenesis of spongillids, from the initial behaviour of cells within the gemmules to the completion of development of the functional sponge, presents many problems of general interest to students of developmental biology.
The endo- and exopinacoderms of spongillids may be regarded as epithelia and it is suggested that these epithelia have a physiological polarization which is matched by a polarization of their inductive capacities. This hypothesis is supported by the results of experimental transplantation and implantation, particularly so in the case of experi- ments on the induction of oscules. Tests of the compatability of different epithelia indicate that the inductive agents are highly specific.