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How Are Morphogenesis and Cell Differentiation Controlled During Embryonic
Development?
1. Name 4 animals that are widely used for research in the field of developmental
genetics.
2. Regarding cytosolic factors:
Indicate how (and where) they are generated.
Explain their role in embryonic development.
Describe the relationship between cytosolic factors and primordial germ cells.
3. Indicate several ways that cells can communicate within an embryo.
4. Explain the following terms and indicate their significance during embryonic
development:
pattern formation
positional information
morphogens
5. Regarding gradients of morphogens:
Explain how a gradient can be produced.
Describe the role of gradients in development of the vertebrate neural tube and
somites; what is meant by the term "induction"?
Describe one experiment of Spemann and indicate what it demonstrated about
morphogens.
Indicate the role of the biocoid protein in fruit fly development.
6. Explain the function of homeotic genes and the significance of their arrangement on
the chromosome; how widespread are these genes in the animal kingdom?
7. Indicate the role played by genes and hormones in mammalian sex differentiation;
are hormones needed for development of both male and female reproductive systems?
8. Describe the role of hormones in the metamorphosis of a) amphibians and b) insects.
9. Indicate the function of a "master gene" during development.
10. Distinguish between a cell that has been "determined" vs. a cell that has undergone
differentiation.