Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation of Cells in Hydra viridis

Abstract

The interstitial cell of the green hydra is formed by dedifferentiation of specialized gastrodermal cells. Similarly, the epidermal epitheliomuscular cells are probably formed by direct difjerentiation of algae-laden digestive cells that lose their algae and enclosed food droplets, migrate to the periphery of the animal, and begin the mucous secretion characteristic of epidermal cells.