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Related Concept Videos

Cleavage and Blastulation01:33

Cleavage and Blastulation

After a large-single-celled zygote is produced via fertilization, the process of cleavage occurs while zygotes travel through the uterine tube. Cleavage is a mitotic cell division that does not result in growth. With each round of successive cell division, daughter cells get increasingly smaller.
Fetal Circulation01:14

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Transcytosis of IgG01:15

Transcytosis of IgG

Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Formation of the Platelet Plug01:22

Formation of the Platelet Plug

The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Fertilization01:38

Fertilization

During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...
Development of Blood Vessels01:07

Development of Blood Vessels

The development of the vascular system in a fetus is a complex and intricate process that begins as early as 15 to 16 days post-conception. This process starts outside the embryo, specifically in the mesoderm of the yolk sac, chorion, and connecting stalk. Approximately two days later, the formation of blood vessels occurs within the embryo itself.
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

In Vitro Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into Trophoblastic Cells
08:21

In Vitro Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into Trophoblastic Cells

Published on: March 16, 2017

Placenta trophoblast fusion.

Berthold Huppertz1, Marcus Borges

  • 1Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Center of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|November 4, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Syncytial fusion, essential for human tissues like skeletal muscle and placenta, involves specific proteins like syncytins. Understanding these fusion mechanisms is key to biological processes.

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Human physiology

Background:

  • Syncytial fusion is a fundamental biological process observed for over 150 years.
  • Key examples in humans include skeletal muscle fibers and placental syncytiotrophoblast.
  • Fusion events also occur during fertilization and viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review known proteins involved in syncytial fusion, such as syncytins.
  • To discuss other factors influencing membrane fusion, including charged phospholipids, divalent cations, and proteases.
  • To explore the reasons for trophoblast cell fusion in vitro and methods for quantifying fusion rates.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of established and proposed fusion mechanisms.
  • Discussion of molecular factors implicated in membrane fusion.

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Trophoblast Cell Recovery from Angiogenesis-Tube Formation Assay for Differentiation Marker Expression Analysis

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Isolation of Primary Mouse Trophoblast Cells and Trophoblast Invasion Assay
10:28

Isolation of Primary Mouse Trophoblast Cells and Trophoblast Invasion Assay

Published on: January 8, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

In Vitro Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into Trophoblastic Cells
08:21

In Vitro Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into Trophoblastic Cells

Published on: March 16, 2017

Trophoblast Cell Recovery from Angiogenesis-Tube Formation Assay for Differentiation Marker Expression Analysis
05:30

Trophoblast Cell Recovery from Angiogenesis-Tube Formation Assay for Differentiation Marker Expression Analysis

Published on: November 8, 2024

Isolation of Primary Mouse Trophoblast Cells and Trophoblast Invasion Assay
10:28

Isolation of Primary Mouse Trophoblast Cells and Trophoblast Invasion Assay

Published on: January 8, 2012

  • Analysis of in vitro models for studying trophoblast fusion.

    • Main Results:

    • Syncytial fusion requires specific proteins (e.g., syncytins) and other factors for membrane merging.
    • Charged phospholipids, divalent cations, and intracellular proteases are identified as potential contributors to fusion.
    • In vitro models provide a means to study and quantify trophoblast fusion dynamics.

    Conclusions:

    • Membrane fusion is a complex process necessitating specific molecular machinery.
    • Further research into syncytins and associated factors is crucial for understanding biological fusion.
    • In vitro models are valuable tools for investigating trophoblast fusion and its regulation.