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Volvox: A simple algal model for embryogenesis, morphogenesis and cellular differentiation.
1Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N Warson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA; Washington University in St. Louis, Division of Biology & Biomedical Science, Campus Box 8226, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Developmental Biology
|July 25, 2016
Summary
The green alga Volvox carteri provides a simple model for studying multicellular development, revealing insights into body plan patterning through cell division, morphogenesis, and differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Evolutionary developmental biology
- Algal biology
Background:
- Multicellular body plan patterning involves cell division, morphogenesis, and differentiation.
- While studied in animals and plants, simpler organisms offer unique insights.
- Volvox carteri is a model organism with a streamlined body plan and two cell types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review developmental processes in Volvox carteri.
- To explore insights from developmental mutants.
- To highlight Volvox as a model for studying development and evolution.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Volvox development.
- Analysis of developmental mutants in Volvox.
- Comparative analysis with animal and plant development.
Main Results:
- Volvox patterning involves stereotyped embryonic cleavage, asymmetric cell division, morphogenesis, and differentiation.
- Developmental mutants have elucidated underlying mechanisms.
- Volvox's simple structure facilitates study of fundamental developmental processes.
Conclusions:
- Volvox carteri is a tractable model for understanding multicellular development.
- Studying Volvox offers insights into the evolution of developmental mechanisms.
- Its accessibility aids research into body plan formation.
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