Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 19.4
The process of tracheal fusion in D. melanogaster. Fusion cells (grey) approach and reach out to one
another with filopodia. When the cells make contact, they adhere using DE-cadherin (orange) and signalling
through DE-cadherin,
-catenin and Kakapo produces tracks of actin and microtubules. New membrane and apical
organizers are then inserted along these tracks and as apical character spreads into the cells, the two lumens
approach closer and closer until they fuse. The bridge cell is omitted from the diagram for simplicity.
b
