Developmental Biology Terms

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to developmental biology, focusing on terms related to oocyte development and zygotic expression.

Oogonium

A diploid stem cell found in the ovaries that undergoes mitosis to produce more oogonia or differentiate into a primary oocyte.

16-Cell Cyst

A structure formed after an oogonium commits to becoming an oocyte, consisting of 16 interconnected cells resulting from incomplete mitotic divisions.

Nurse Cells

Cells that support oocyte development by synthesizing and transferring RNAs, proteins, and organelles to the oocyte through ring canals.

Zygotic Expression

The point at which the embryo begins to use its own genome for RNA and protein production instead of relying on maternal contributions.

Zygotic Genome Activation (ZGA)

The transition in early development when the embryo's DNA starts being transcribed.

Germarium

The region at the tip of an ovariole where oogonia divide and cysts form.

Bicaudal D

A protein that influences the selection of the oocyte within the cyst in Drosophila.

Microtubule Organizing Center (MTOC)

A structure where microtubules are nucleated and organized; in Drosophila, it becomes non-centrosomal during oogenesis.

Gurken mRNA

A maternally provided mRNA that encodes a signaling protein influencing the ovarian follicle cell behavior.

Caudal (cad)

A transcription factor involved in posterior development in Drosophila, translated only in the posterior half of the embryo.

Smaug (smg)

An RNA-binding protein that represses maternal mRNAs during the maternal-to-zygotic transition, aiding in the activation of zygotic gene expression.

Cup

A translational repressor that binds to oskar mRNA to prevent premature protein translation during its transport.

Bicoid

A mRNA that, upon translation, dictates anterior development in the Drosophila embryo.