RUI: Analysis of Cytoplasmic Localization in the Embryos of a Polyclad Turbellarian

这个项目的目的是研究细胞质决定因素在多包体扁虫的发育中所起的作用，多包体扁虫是最原始的螺旋体之一，具有典型的四重奏螺旋切割。早期的测定是多包层螺旋蝇的特征，但较较高级螺旋蝇的程序较不严格。Boyer博士建议通过将荧光葡聚糖注射到卵裂球中，并将荧光追踪到幼虫的结构，来开发一种单跖虫胚胎的细胞谱系，这是分析实验数据的重要工具。她将通过使用卵裂球删除和分离技术、切割未裂卵和改变细胞几何形状来研究特定幼虫结构的发育、对称性的确定以及决定因素定位的时间和地点。此外，将采用扫描电镜和透射电镜。细胞质定位是卵子和早期胚胎决定成体最终形态的基本发育机制。这个过程在简单的系统中最容易研究。这项研究将有助于我们从个体发育和系统发育的角度理解早期发育的普遍机制之一。

The objective of this project is to examine the role that cytoplasmic determinants play in the development of polyclad flatworms, one of the most primitive of the spiralians with typical quartet spiral cleavage. Early determination is characteristic of the polyclad Hoploplana inquilina but is less rigidly programmed than that of the higher spiralians. Dr. Boyer proposes to develop a cell lineage of the hoploplana embryo, an important tool for analyzing experimental data, by injecting fluorescent dextran into blastomeres and tracing the fluorescence to larval structures. She will examine development of specific larval structures, the determination of symmetry, and the time and site of localization of determinants by using blastomere deletion and separation techniques, cutting uncleaved eggs, and altering cell geometry. In addition SEM and TEM will be employed. %%% Cytoplasmic localization is a fundamental developmental mechanism employed by eggs and early embryos in determining the ultimate body plan of the adult. This process is most easily studied in simple systems. This study will contribute to our understanding of one of the universal mechanisms of early development from both ontogenetic and phylogenetic perspectives.