Int. J. Dev. Biol. 53: 135 - 137 (2009)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.062266ss

Vol 53, Issue 1

Rotation in Xenopus laevis embryos during the second cell cycle

Short Communication | Published: 1 December 2008

Sergey M. Starodubov* and Vladimir A. Golychenkov

Department of Embryology, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

Abstract

Using time-lapse video recording and comparing successive digital images, we found that 38% of Xenopus laevis embryos (n=118) exhibited rotation during the second cell cycle. This rotation, which we term the second rotation, started approximately during the appearance of the first cleavage furrow and proceeded clockwise or counterclockwise around the vertical axis. Rotations lasted for 5-30 minutes, i.e. up to the beginning of the third cell cycle. The mean rotation angle was 36.4˚, with a maximum rotation of 77˚. No mortality was observed among the embryos exhibiting rotation. The second rotation was observed to be similar to the well-known fertilization rotation which takes place during the first cell cycle. The possible nature and significance of the second rotation are discussed.

Keywords

rotation, first furrow, second cell cycle, Xenopus