Key events: syncytial division 9, polar bud formation

Stage 3 lasts for about 15 min (1:05-1:20 h). Polar bud formation and nuclear division 9 take place during this stage.

Polar buds are formed around the nuclei located at the posterior pole of the embryo. They are the first signs of pole cell formation, which takes place in stage 4.


During stage 3, these polar buds divide once. The end of stage 3 is defined by the appearance of a clear cytoplasmic rim at the periphery of the embryo.

Stage 3, in vivo (0.4 MB)

Stage 3 (0.1 MB)