Path followed:
- Is the fault in the components that perform any physical action?
Answer: Yes
- Is the fault in components that move?
Answer: Yes
- Is the fault in components that make the mechanism move?
Answer: Yes
- Is the faulty component designed to move the mechanism around?
Answer: Yes
- Is the faulty component needed for stability?
Answer: Yes
- Does the faulty component manipulate smaller objects?
Answer: Yes
- Does the surrounding environment affect the process of regeneration?
Answer: No
- Are there any external resources that can be used by the mechanism?
Answer: No
- Does any material need to be cleared during the regeneration process?
Answer: No
- Does the adaptation occur in stages?
Answer: Yes
15) Common Octopus, Octopus vulgaris
Octopi are found closer to tropical islands and the equator. They range in size from 12 to 36 inches and weigh from 6.6 to 22 pounds (“Common Octopuses”). Octopi are able to regenerate their arm if it was severed or lost to evade an attacker.
After the arm is severed a blastema will start to form at the very end where it was cut. The blastema enclosed mesenchymal cells, which allowed for the arm to grow back (Courage). Stem cells and blood vessels also swarmed to the site within the first three days to help rebuild the arm (Courage). There were also cells from the remaining arm that dedifferentiated and redifferentiated as the arm grew to form the muscles, suckers, chromatophores, and nervous system. AChE has been found to be key in helping the octopi regenerate their arm. It was found to accelerate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis (Fossati et al., p. 93-99). AChEwould increase during cellular multiplication and was at its highest during myogenesis (Fossati et al.). The AChE would decrease during histogenesis and reestablishment of the structures. Once all of the structures in the arm were regenerated the cells would stop proliferating and the blastema would disintegrate.
“Common Octopuses.” Common Octopuses, Common Octopus Pictures, Common Octopus Facts – National Geographic. National Geographic, 2014. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/common-octopus/
Fossati, Sara Maria, Francesca Carella, Gionata De Vico, Fabio Benfenati, and Letizia Zullo. “Octopus Arm Regeneration: Role of Acetylcholinesterase during Morphological Modification.” Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 447 (2013): 93-99. Science Direct. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098113000671
Courage, Katherine Harmon. “How Octopus Arms Regenerate With Ease.” Web log post. Scientific American. Scientific American, 28 Aug. 2013. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.
Fossati, S. M., S. Candiani, M. T. Nodi, L. Maragliano, M. Pennuto, P. Domingues, F. Benfenati, M. Pestarino, and L. Zullo. “Identification and Expression of Acetylcholinesterase in Octopus Vulgaris Arm Development and Regeneration: A Conserved Role for ACHE?” Molecular Neurobiology (2014): n. pag. NCBI. Web. 23 Nov. 2014.