1. Explant systems and vital staining have been used to study the specific effects of various concentrations of β-mercaptoethanol on the morphogenetic movements of amphibians. Three different types of effect were observed.

    • (a) rapid but reversible inhibition of neurulation, becoming irreversible after prolonged treatments;

    • (b) slow, progressive inhibition of epiboly, convergent stretching and ingression;

    • (c) very slight inhibition of invagination, occurring only at high concentrations or after prolonged treatments.

  2. The significance of these results is discussed.

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