21 Biological Science - Genes, Development, and Evolution

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to genetic regulation, embryonic development, and evolution as discussed in the lecture notes.

Maternal effect genes

Genes that encode morphogens defining the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral axes in early embryos.

Gap genes

Genes that control the formation of large body regions along the anterior-posterior axis.

Pair-rule genes

Genes that are expressed in alternating bands and control the formation of individual segments.

Segment polarity genes

Genes expressed in parts of each segment that create regions within segments.

Hox genes

Genes that specify the identity of body parts that will develop from segments.

Effector genes

Genes that lead to development by directing cell proliferation, death, movement, and differentiation.

Blastomeres

The individual cells produced during cleavage.

Blastula

A mass of blastomeres formed during embryonic development.

Blastocyst

A type of blastula in mammals, consisting of a trophoblast and an inner cell mass.

Trophoblast

The exterior layer of the blastocyst that forms part of the placenta.

Gastrulation

The process where embryonic cells undergo extensive movement and reconstruction to form a gastrula.

Germ layers

Three layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) that give rise to all organs and tissues in the adult.

Organogenesis

The process during which cells differentiate and assemble into tissues and organs.

Somites

Transient structures that give rise to muscle, bone, and skin in the adult.

Evo-devo

The study of evolutionary developmental biology, focusing on changes in developmentally important genes that lead to evolution.