Unit 5: Intro to Develop. Biology Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is Developmental Biology?
The study of how organisms grow and develop from a single cell (zygote) to a fully formed adult. Focuses on cell differentiation, morphogenesis, growth, regeneration, and reproduction.
What is Differentiation in developmental biology?
The process by which unspecialized cells become specialized in structure and function (e.g., stem cells → neurons, muscle cells).
Define Morphogenesis.
The biological process that gives an organism its shape through changes in cell growth, migration, and death (apoptosis).
What is Growth in the context of development?
Increase in size due to cell division and expansion; varies by organism and tissue
What does Regeneration refer to in biology?
The ability to regrow damaged or lost parts of the body (e.g., flatworms regenerating heads; human liver tissue regeneration).
Name three key features of model organisms in developmental biology
Short generation time, transparent embryos, well-studied genetics
Name five common model organisms used in developmental biology
- Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly)
- Xenopus laevis (frog)
- Danio rerio (zebrafish)
- Mus musculus (mouse)
- Caenorhabditis elegans (nematode worm)
What is Fertilization?
The union of egg and sperm to form a zygote, triggering development through changes in signaling and gene expression
What occurs during Cleavage?
Rapid cell divisions without growth, forming a blastula (a hollow ball of cells).
What is Gastrulation?
Cell migration to form the three germ layers:
* Ectoderm (skin, nervous system)
* Mesoderm (muscles, bones, circulatory system)
* Endoderm (digestive and respiratory systems)
What happens during Neurulation?
The neural tube forms from the ectoderm, giving rise to the central nervous system
Define Organogenesis
The development of organs from the three germ layers.
What are Totipotent cells?
Cells that can form all cell types, including placental/extra-embryonic tissues (e.g., zygote).
What are Pluripotent cells?
Cells that can form any body cell but not placental/extra-embryonic tissues
What are Multipotent cells?
Cells that can form a limited range of cell types (e.g., blood stem cells).
