Question

Question regarding how positional memory in fibroblasts work, specifically, where the memory comes from/how its made.

For example, the Salamander & other amphibians are able to regenerate almost perfect copies of decapitated limbs, but lets say we have a female Salamander who is effectively given hormone therapy to "masculinise" them, if a limb was severed, would it grow back according to the hormone profile? So essentially a bit smaller since males are typically smaller?

Answer 1

The process of limb regeneration in salamanders involves positional memory in fibroblasts. Hormone therapy may affect the size of the regenerated limb, but is unlikely to change its pattern or structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ability of certain animals to regenerate limbs and the role of hormones in this process is fascinating. In the case of the salamander, limb regeneration is influenced by positional memory within fibroblasts. When a limb is severed, fibroblasts in the stump retain a memory of their original position and initiate the regeneration process accordingly. While hormone therapy may influence the size of the regenerated limb, it is unlikely to completely alter its overall pattern or structure.