New type of placental structure discovered in animals
The Cyclostomata is an ancient group of aquatic colonial suspension-feeders from the phylum Bryozoa. The fact that they have unique placentae has been discovered by researchers at St Petersburg University and the University of Vienna.
The coenocytes, i.e. large multinucleate cell structures, originate via nuclear multiplication and cytoplasmic growth among the cells surrounding the early embryo. Interestingly, the coenocytes are commonly found among fungi and plants, yet are quite rare in animals. It is the first time coenocytes have been discovered in placenta.
Biologists are well aware that the cells of the living organisms are incredibly different in the way that they behave. They may happen to form a multinucleate structure resulting from cell fusion, i.e. so-called syncytium with a single membrane. Such 'behavior' ensures nutrient circulation with no resources and time spent on transporting between the cells.