Fruit fly ovary
The image above shows a whole excised fruit fly ovary, taken using a confocal microscope. Magnification: 20x. (Click on the image to go to the source page)
The image shows the ovary containing egg cells (oocytes), supported by “nurse cells.” In many biological contexts, nurse cells provide food, absorb damage and provide stability to surrounding cells. In the ovaries of invertebrates (such as fruit fly), nurse cells surround the developing oocyte (egg cell) and synthesize proteins and genetic material that are to be delivered to the oocyte. This high metabolic activity in the nurse cells produces DNA-damaging free radicals. This damage is absorbed by the nurse cells, which eventually die as the oocytes mature. This mechanism keeps the developing oocyte well-nourished, while sparing any free radical damage to the oocyte’s genetic material. Thus, the unceasing work and the sacrifice of the nurse cells ensures the genetic propagation of the species.
A Haiku inspired by the image
Life flower blossoms
Sacrificing other lives.
Farewell and welcome