The blastula is an early stage of embryonic development in animals. It is also called blastosphere. It is produced by cleavage of a fertilized ovum and consists of a spherical layer of around 128 cells surrounding a central fluid-filled cavity called the blastocoel. The blastula follows the morula and precedes the gastrula in the developmental sequence.
Research
A whitefish blastula is often used to help study the processes of mitosis in animal cells.[1] The blastula is prevented from multiplying during the nuclear-injection stage.
Blastula and blastocyst
In mammals, blastulation leads to the formation of the blastocyst, which must not be confused with the blastula; even though they are similar in structure, their cells have different fates.
References
- ^ "Whitefish Mitosis". Retrieved on 2007-10-11.
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