Animal Development II: Gastrulation & Organogenesis

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to gastrulation and organogenesis, essential processes in animal development.

Gastrulation

The process in early development whereby the embryonic gut (archenteron) forms and three embryonic germ layers develop.

Organogenesis

The formation of organs from the germ layers during embryonic development.

Haploid (n)

A cell with a single set of chromosomes, typical for gametes (sperm and eggs).

Diploid (2n)

A cell with two sets of chromosomes, typical for somatic cells in an adult organism.

Induction

The process by which one group of cells influences the development of neighboring cells through signaling molecules.

Notochord

A transient structure in the embryo that contributes to the vertebral column and is important for organogenesis.

Ectoderm

The outermost embryonic germ layer that develops into skin and the nervous system.

Endoderm

The innermost embryonic germ layer that forms the gut and various internal organs.

Mesoderm

The middle embryonic germ layer that develops into muscles, bones, and the circulatory system.

Hox genes

A group of regulatory genes that control the body plan and segment identity during development.

Blastula

A hollow ball of cells that forms during the early stages of embryonic development prior to gastrulation.

Archenteron

The primitive gut formed during gastrulation.

Pluripotent stem cells

Cells that have the ability to differentiate into any cell type of the body.

Amniotic membranes

Additional structures in amniotes that support the developing embryo, including the amnion, yolk sac, chorion, and allantois.

Differentiation

The process by which unspecialized cells develop into specific cell types with distinct functions.

Cell signaling

Communication between cells that regulates cellular functions and development.

Morphogenesis

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

Somites

Blocks of mesoderm located on both sides of the neural tube that contribute to the formation of the vertebral column and skeletal muscles.

Fertilization

The fusion of sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Cleavage

The series of rapid cell divisions that follow fertilization, leading to the formation of the blastula.

Proliferation

The process of cell division and increase in cell numbers, particularly in developing embryos.