WormClassroom

This is the same embryo as the one you just observed (PDF ) and lineaged. The lineaging has been completed up to 100-cell embryonic stage. You may find it interesting to constuct a 4D map for the embryonic development using the movies provided below.

* Click on the Focal Plane # links to observe the development for individual focal planes; right-click to save.

Coding System

Dr. Sulston’s naming system was followed in lineaging this embryo. However, as the embryo divides, the dividing cells becoming smaller and the cells’ name becoming longer. Thus, it is difficult to put the whole name on the recorded embryo (especially for AB and MS series cells). Therefore, a number is used instead of a letter to indicate the location for AB and MS series cells. Download the coding system (PDF ) to see how this was done.

Note: Only D series cells were recorded in black. Due to the recording imperfection, some of the AB cells were recorded in black with partial digit showed (like 57 in the upper right corner was recorded as 5 at Time Elapsed 02:28:40 in focal plane 3). Please only use the name recorded in red for AB series in the embryonic development.

Family Tree for Focal Planes 1-9

This family tree was constructed right after the 8th cell appears (between 50:00 and 51:00 depending on the focal plane).

Family Tree for Focal Plane 10

This was constructed right after the 8th cell appears (time point 00:50:58).

Family Tree for Focal Planes 11 & 12

This was constructed right after the 8th cell appears (time point 00:50:59).

Thought: What does the 4D map look like? At any time point, are cells in focal plane 1 also in focal plane 12 or other focal planes? Pick a cell (e.g.: AB) and pretend that you are that cell. How big are you, where are you and what will you become?