Gemmula

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Gemmulae in freshwater sponges

Gemmulae ( Latin for "small buds") are brood buds or permanent stages in freshwater sponges and some marine sponges of the coastal area, including species of the genera Cliona , Haliclona , Suberites and Laxosuberites . The formation of gemmulae is used to withstand unfavorable environmental conditions, for example when the body of water freezes through or to survive drought.

Gemmulae are usually one to two millimeter large spherical cell complexes. As they develop, binuclear archaeocytes phagocyte other cells, especially trophocytes , and then cover themselves with spongin and skeletal needles (especially amphidisks).

As soon as the conditions are more favorable, the gemmulae form a new sponge body. In some species, including Ephydatia muelleri , Spongilla lacustris and Haliclona loosanoffi , the gemmula, regulated by the germination inhibitor gemmulastasin , can only form a new sponge after a period of at least two to three months.

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• Gemmula in the Lexicon of Biology