Laboratory of Embryology

HEAD Vladimir L. KASYANOV, Corresponding Member of RAS

STAFF numbers 18, including 1 Corresponding, 3 Drs. Sci., 9 Cand. Sci.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: Study of the biology of reproduction, embryonic and larval development of marine organisms; research in differentiation of the sex and embryonic cells in marine organisms.

Gametogenesis, reproduction, early developmental stages and sex differetiation have been described for common species of bottom invertebrates of the Sea of Japan and other regions of the World Ocean with special reference to environmental situation in their habitats. It was revealed that the cortical cytoskeleton is a carrier of morphogenetic information in egg cell. Gamete and larval structure of marine invertebrates were considerated as a tool for elucidation of some evolutionary and taxonomic problems. The concept on planktotrophic and lecithotrophic reproductive strategies of marine invertebrates has been formulated. Identification keys have been prepared for larvae of marine invertebrates. Recommendations have been given on installation of collectors for settling of larvae of molluscs cultured in Peter the Great Bay, on preventive measures against polychaete fouling of cultured Laminaria (together with colleagues from Laboratory of Ecology of Shelf Communities), other anti-fouling measures and problems of biological monitoring and cryopreservation of larvae.

Phone: 31-09-24; 31-11-43