In a previous work, we demonstrated that palatine processes treated with 10 micrograms/ml neuraminidase for 30 minutes at 37 degrees C show a delayed fusion in vitro. In order to investigate the effects of neuraminidase, the treated palatine processes were observed with the aid of transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of neuraminidase is exclusively detectable on superficial flat cells of the palatine processes, especially the cells of the medial edge of the process. The epithelial basal cells remain unchanged. Observed with the S.E.M., the superficial epithelial cells show bubbles, become spherical and detached. To explain these observations, we namely propose the following hypothesis: the action of neuraminidase prevents the fusion of the palatine processes because it denudes basal cells bearing a too immature cell coat for ensuring sufficient adherence between the palatine processes.