Morphogenesis in hydra
When Hydra oligactis is excised below the tentacles and incubated for a short time in concentrations of colchicine that inhibit spindle formation in dividing cells, a peduncle and basal disc subsequently form at the cut distal end, where hypostome and tentacles normally form (Corff & Burnett, 1969). Since recent reports suggest a similarity in the action of colchicine and low temperature, in this study the effects of low temperatures on regenerating hydra were investigated. High hydrostatic pressure and low temperature have been shown to act synergistically with colchicine to inhibit the first mitotic division in sea urchin eggs (Marsland, 1968). Colchicine and cooling have also been shown to cause disintegration of the microtubule system in Actinosphaerium (Tilney, 1965). We have previously discussed peduncle and basal disc formation at the distal end in terms of colchicine inhibition of cell division and the possible action of colchicine on the nervous system (Corff & Burnett, 1969).