Chapter 21: Development of Multicellular Organisms

It refers to the process by which a single-celled zygote transforms into a complex multicellular organism with specialized tissues and organs.

It is the stage of development in which the zygote undergoes rapid cell divisions and differentiation to form the basic body plan of the organism.

Cells organize into precise patterns and structures, forming organs such as the heart, lungs, brain, and limbs.

It is essential for shaping tissues and organs during development. Cells move in a directed manner, guided by chemical gradients and adhesive interactions.

It refers to the process by which spatially ordered structures and arrangements arise during development, resulting in the diverse patterns observed in organisms.

They are signaling molecules that form concentration gradients, and their distribution provides spatial cues for cells to adopt specific fates and organize into patterns.

It proposes that the interaction between diffusible substances can generate spatial patterns through their diffusion and reaction kinetics.

It refers to the precise coordination and control of developmental events, ensuring that they occur in the correct sequence and at the appropriate time during an organism's development.

It refers to the process by which cells and tissues organize and shape themselves to form the intricate structures and organs of an organism during development.

It contributes to tissue growth and expansion, increasing the number of cells and providing the material for morphogenetic events.

It involves the acquisition of specific cell fates and functions, leading to the formation of distinct tissue types.

It plays a crucial role in shaping tissues and organs during morphogenesis.

It is essential for rearranging cells and tissues, allowing them to establish proper connections and generate complex architectures.

It is the process by which the neural tube is formed, giving rise to the central nervous system.

It involves the formation and differentiation of specific organs and tissues from germ layers, leading to the development of complex structures such as the heart, lungs, liver, and limbs.

It involves the rearrangement of cells into three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm), establishing the body plan of the embryo.

It refers to the increase in size, mass, and complexity of an organism over time.

It is the primary mechanism of growth, allowing for the increase in cell number and tissue expansion.

It accompanies growth, as undifferentiated cells acquire specialized functions and contribute to tissue organization and complexity.

It involves an increase in cell size through the accumulation of cellular components and organelles.

It plays a crucial role in growth by providing structural support, organizing tissues, and regulating cellular behavior.

It refers to the process by which the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, forms and matures during embryonic and postnatal stages.

the production of new neurons, occurs in specific regions of the developing brain, such as the ventricular zone and subventricular zone.

It is the process by which synapses, the specialized junctions between neurons, are formed. It involves the precise alignment of pre- and postsynaptic elements.

It occurs through a combination of activity-dependent mechanisms and synaptic pruning, ensuring the formation of functional neural circuits.

the process of insulating axons with a myelin sheath, enhances signal transmission and promotes efficient neural communication.