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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

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Generation of Transgenic Hydra by Embryo Microinjection
Published on: September 11, 2014
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A substance released by metamorphosing larvae and young polyps ofHydractinia echinata induces metamorphosis in
Thomas Leitz1, Rolf Gerhard Lange1
1Zoologisches Institut der Universität, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, W-6900, Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
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.

