ISSN:
1432-0878
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Evidence is provided from cinematography and electron microscopy that chemical processes are responsible for both plasma membrane synthesis and cell separation in dividing germ cells of the grasshopper. Polyribosome-like material is deposited as a ring equatorially, which determines the presumptive division plane. The material deposited at the division plane, in synergism with cytoplasmic material and existing plasma membrane, synthesizes the new plasma membrane. The polyribosome-like material polymerizes into helices, and as the coils of the helices tighten less surface becomes available for membrane synthesis. The decreasing rate of plasma membrane synthesis is the mechanism for cell separation. Thus, plasma membrane synthesis and cell separation occur simultaneously, directed by the same dynamic processes.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00339237
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