Figure 4

Lens morphogenesis. Diagram of the embryonic (A) and adult (I) zebrafish lens. Insets in (A) indicate corresponding histological sections through the 3 dpf lens transition zone (B), lens epithelium (C) and posterior lens (D). TEM micrographs (E-H) show developing lens epithelium (E), interdigitating lens fiber cells (arrows, G), establishment of rudimentary lens sutures (arrow, F), and a vascular endothelial cell, EN, associated with the posterior lens, PL (H). Insets in (I) indicate corresponding histological sections through the 1 month lens transition zone (J), lens epithelium (K) and posterior lens (L). TEM micrographs (M-P) show the mature lens epithelium (M), "ball and socket" interdigitations between fiber cells (arrows, O), loose fiber cell organization at the periphery (N), and mature suture connections between the ends of lens fiber cells (arrows, P).