Isolecithal

Isolecithal (Greek iso = equal, lekithos = yolk) refers to the even distribution of yolk in the cytoplasm of ovums of mammals and other vertebrates, notably fishes of the families Petromyzontidae, Amiidae, and Lepisosteidae. Isolecithal cells have two equal hemispheres of yolk. However during cellular development, normally under the influence of gravity, some of the yolk settles to the bottom of the egg, producing an uneven distribution of yolky hemispheres. Such uneven cells are known as telolecithal and are common where there is sufficient yolk mass.