10-Evolution and Development (1)

Evo-Devo

A field of biology that examines the relationship between development and evolution.

Heterochrony

Variations in the timing of developmental events which influence the characteristics of organisms.

Recapitulation

The theory that an organism's development (ontogeny) follows the stages of its evolutionary history (phylogeny).

Paedomorphosis

A phenomenon whereby descendants retain traits that are typically present in juvenile forms of their ancestors.

Hox Genes

Group of related genes that control the body plan of an embryo along the head-tail axis.

Gene Duplication

The process by which a gene makes an extra copy of itself, potentially leading to new functions or pathways.

Transcription Factor

A protein that binds to specific DNA sequences, thereby controlling the transcription of genetic information.

Developmental Stages

The sequential phases an organism goes through from fertilization to maturity.

Homeotic Transformations

Changes to the organization of body structures that can lead to development of different phenotypes.

Gene Control Region

Part of the DNA that regulates the expression of a gene.

Morphogenesis

The biological process that causes an organism to develop its shape.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code.

Blastocyst

A stage of embryonic development in mammals that consists of a hollow ball of cells.

Neurogenesis

The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various cell types in the body.

Fertilization

The union of a sperm and an egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Regenerative Medicine

An interdisciplinary field that utilizes the body's own repair mechanisms to heal or replace damaged tissues or organs.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.