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Unusual yolk platelets in embryos of Xenopus laevis (amphibia)

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Summary

Three heretofore undescribed types of yolk platelets are described from embryos of Xenopus laevis. The first (designated the multiple main-body platelet) is characterized by the occurrence of numerous randomly oriented small main-body crystals embedded in the noncrystalline superficial layer material. The second is characterized by the occurrence of a main-body crystal with an extremely irregular profile. The main-body element of the third platelet type (designated the cavitated main-body platelet) invariably shows little or no evidence of crystalline substructure and contains numerous internal cavities.

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This work was supported in part by the University of California at Davis Campus Committee on Research, Cancer Research Funds of the University of California and N. S. F. Grant no. GB30751. The author thanks John Mais for expert technical assistance and Robert Leonard and David Deamer for reading the manuscript.

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Armstrong, P.B. Unusual yolk platelets in embryos of Xenopus laevis (amphibia). Z. Zellforsch 129, 320–327 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307292

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00307292

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