Rapid changes in shape and cell architecture of isolated fragments of amphibian embryonic tissues as an experimental model of morphogenesis.

Changes in the shape and cell architecture of pieces of epithelial and neural ectoderm, mesoderm, neural tube, and combined ectomesodermal fragments from embryos of Rana temporaria 0-60 min after isolation were studied. The fragments were capable of changing their shape quickly (actually during separation) or after a latent period of several minutes. Rapid deformations were not prevented by cooling or by moderate doses of cyanide; as a rule they were connected with contraction of the surface area of the cells of the fragment and they can be regarded as relaxation to forms with lower mechanical energy. The direction of the deformation usually coincides with the subsequent normal morphogenesis of the particular anlage. Deformations with a latent period are suppressed by cooling and by the addition of cyanide, which lead to an increase in the surface area of individual cells, but they reduce the total surface area of the fragment. The shape of the fragments becomes more complex: they become irregularly twisted, they form folds, and they separate into spherical regions with stretched surfaces ("drops"). These processes are connected with the performance of positive mechanical work by the intracellular contractile systems. The reasons why the fragments become more complex in shape are discussed.