Waves and periodic events during primitive streak formation in the chick

Morphogenetic movements occurring during formation of the primitive streak in the chick embryo are of a periodic nature, with a mean frequency of one pulse every 2.6 min. The period of the oscillatory movement is shown to be temperature-dependent. The onset of these pulses of movement can be seen as a slow wave starting at the posterior end of the embryo and making its way towards the anterior end. An interpretation of this behaviour is discussed.