Abstract
The amphibian embryo provides a convenient model system for studying a variety of early morphological processes which are affected by novel gravity forces. Suitable descriptions of many of the so called “gravity effects” on amphibian eggs are available. In order to extend those morphological observations to subcellular and molecular levels of investigation, a more thorough understanding of experimental design and measurement methodology is desirable. Accordingly, several of the ground-based techniques, including clinostation and centrifugation are analyzed from both theoretical and practical points of view. The measurements often carried out to quantitate gravity effects are also considered. Analyses of cleavage furrowing and egg cytoplasmic viscosity are presented.
