Germline development in vertebrates and invertebrates

In all animals information is passed from parent to offspring via the germl ine, which segregates from the soma early in development and undergoes a co mplex developmental program to give rise to the adult gametes. Many aspects of germline development have been conserved throughout the animal kingdom. Here we review the unique properties of germ cells, the initial determinat ion of germ cell fates, the maintenance of germ cell identity, the migratio n of germ cells to the somatic gonadal primordia and the proliferation of g erm cells during development invertebrates and invertebrates. Similarities in germline development in such diverse organisms as Drosophila melanogaste r, Caenorhabditis elegans, Xenopus laevis and Mus musculus will be highligh ted.