Cell-Cell Communication in Development

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cell-cell communication and developmental biology, focusing on processes, structures, and signaling pathways involved in development.

What is the primary focus of developmental biologists in studying cell-cell communication?

To understand how complexity in structures such as tissues, organs, and systems arises from a single fertilized cell.

What is morphogenesis in development?

The differentiation of cells and their organization into multicellular arrangements like tissues and organs.

What do differential cell affinity properties involve?

They involve different proteins on cell membranes that help form the structures of tissues and organs during embryonic development.

What are cadherins?

Calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules that bind cells together and maintain intercellular connections.

What is the role of the inner cell mass in embryonic development?

The inner cell mass generates the embryo and will ultimately form the primary body of the developing organism.

What distinguishes the trophoblast cells from the inner cell mass in mammalian development?

Trophoblast cells bind to the uterine tissue, while the inner cell mass develops into the embryo.

What is a competence factor in embryonic development?

A factor, such as Pax6 protein, that makes a specific tissue competent to respond to inductive signals.

What are instructive interactions in developmental biology?

Interactions where a signal from an inducing cell is necessary for the responding cell to develop in a certain way.

What is the JAK-STAT pathway important for in development?

It is important for the differentiation of blood cells and growth of limbs.

What do paracrine factors do?

They are soluble factors that can diffuse over small distances to induce changes in neighboring cells.

What is autocrine regulation?

A type of regulation where the same cells that secrete factors also respond to them.

What role does apoptosis play in development?

Apoptosis is necessary for proper spacing and orientation of cells, as well as generating certain structures and controlling cell numbers.

What is a signal transduction cascade?

A series of enzymatic events initiated by the binding of a ligand to a receptor that regulates gene expression or cytoskeletal changes.

What is the function of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family?

They play a role in tissue regeneration, limb development, and formation of blood vessels.

What is the significance of the Hedgehog family of proteins in development?

They induce specific cell types and create boundaries between tissues.

What is the Wnt signaling pathway involved in?

Establishing limb polarity, stem cell proliferation, and Urogenital system development.