Movement and extension of isolated growth cones

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Abstract

Neuronal processes (here called neurites) of individual chick sensory ganglion cells growing in culture were cut with fine glass needles. The isolated segments collapsed and then re-grew, usually to their original length. The collapse involved distinct morphological changes, such as helical coiling and the formation of phase-dense beads, and appeared to require metabolic energy. Re-growth was similar in appearance and in rate to the growth of intact cells and included the generation of new growth cones which were able to ruffle and branch; it continued for up to 5 h and was not blocked by inhibitors of protein synthesis. It is suggested that the mechanisms that enable these small fragments of the cell to collapse and extend are a part of the normal growth of neurones.

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