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Abstract:
To establish a morphological baseline for experimental studies of differentiation using the cement gland as a model, the following observations are added to those on record. The elongated cells of Xenopus laevis cement glands have an internal organization displaying five distinct zones differing in structure and specialized function. The apical zone contains packed secretion vesicles apparently belonging to two different types. The transit zone appears to be devoid of major biosynthetic activity and contains secretion vesicles migrating toward the surface. The zone of biosynthesis is typically organized in concentric regions. The very elongated nucleus lies in the next zone. Finally, the storage zone is characterized by lipid droplets and yolk platelets. Only quantitative differences are observed between cells of young and mature cement glands. Though all cells have the same general organization they may probably be divided into two subtypes according to the structure of their cytoplasm. The epithelial cells surrounding the gland differ according to their position along lateral or basal borders.