Summary
A metamorphosis-inducing factor was isolated from medium conditioned by either metamorphosing larvae or 3-day postmetamorphic primary polyps. The factor has a molecular weight ≥ 8 kDa and is heatlabile. It does not induce metamorphosis of isolated posterior fragments and is therefore not identical to the internal signal described by Schwoerer-Böhning et al. (1990). The biological significance of the substance is currently unclear, therefore its inducing activity may be a side effect.
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Leitz, T., Lange, R.G. A substance released by metamorphosing larvae and young polyps ofHydractinia echinata induces metamorphosis in conspecific larvae. Roux's Arch Dev Biol 199, 370–372 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01705930
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01705930