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Analysis Of Asexual Reproduction Dugesia Dorotocephala, Harvey Dee Mecham

Theses and Dissertations

Genetic control of decapitation-induced fission in planaria is mediated by stimulator and inhibitor molecules. Resolution of the two factors was accomplished by filtration chromatography of whole planaria extract. The stimulator (M.W. 2500 to 3500) was purified with ion exchange chromatography and increases the multiple fission rate. The inhibitor (M.W. 20,000 to 50,000) is non-dialyzable, heat labile and is inactivated unless kept frozen. Storage at 4°C results in a loss of inhibitory capacity with a concomitant stimulator increase, suggesting a protein-stimulator complex as the inhibitor. In light of a demonstrated animal intercommunication system, the inhibitor-stimulator complex is hypothesized as part of …