Hydra pattern is controlled by two distinct but interacting morphogen sets

Abstract

Temporal course of regeneration of the hypostome and basal disc along the body length of the hydra is studied both in the presence and absence of the other determined centre. The regeneration times vary nonlinearly with distance from the original position indicating that the underlying processes are of non-linear nature. The presence of hypostome influences the regeneration of basal disc in an inhibitory manner throughout the body length, whereas, basal disc influences the regeneration of hypostome only in the lower portion of the body in a positive manner. A scheme in terms of the activators and inhibitors specific to hypostome and basal disc, is given. The implication of these results is that the two inhibitors are functionally distinct.