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The blastula (from Greek βλαστός (blastos), meaning "sprout") 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 with a large fluid filled space called the blastocoel in the animal pole of the embryo. The blastula follows the morula and precedes the gastrula in the developmental sequence.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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. The blastocyst contains an embryoblast as well.
[edit] References
- ^ "Whitefish Mitosis". http://biology.northwestcollege.edu/biology/b1010lab/mitwfish.htm. Retrieved on 2007-10-11.
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