Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation of Cells in <i>Hydra viridis</i>

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.