Vocabulary
The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type. It is essential in the development of multicellular organisms.
Cell Differentiation
Signaling molecules that are distributed in a gradient within a developing tissue. They influence cell fate decisions by providing positional information.
Morphogens
What is the process called when the blastula reorganizes itself into the 3 germ layers.
Gastrulation
The first step of cell differentiation; The process in which a cell’s fate is set toward becoming a specific cell type. The cell is committed to a particular developmental pathway but has not yet acquired all characteristics of that cell type.
Determination
These stem cells have the potential to differentiate into any cell type, including both the cells that form the body and those that contribute to the development of the placenta and other embryonic tissues.
Totipotent Stem Cells
Proteins that bind to specific receptors on the cell surface, stimulating cellular growth, proliferation, and differentiation
Growth Factors
The outermost layer of the embryo; This layer will develop into the skin, the nervous system, and some sensory organs.
Ectoderm
The second stage of cell differentiation in which the determined cell undergoes morphological and functional changes to become a specialized cell type. This stage involves significant changes in gene expression and cellular structures.
Differentiation
These stem cells can develop into almost any cell type in the body, but they cannot form the placenta or other extra-embryonic tissues. These cells give rise to all the tissues and organs of the developing fetus.
Pluripotent Stem Cells
A series of molecular interactions that regulate fundamental cellular processes such as differentiation
Key Pathway
The middle layer of the embryo. This layer gives rise to muscles, bones, blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, and reproductive organs.
Mesoderm
The third stage where differentiated cells undergo additional development and refinement to fully achieve their functional capabilities. This stage ensures that the cell is completely adapted to perform its specialized role effectively within its tissue or organ system.
Maturation
These stem cells are more specialized and can differentiate into a limited range of cell types within a particular tissue or organ. They are responsible for maintaining and repairing the tissues in which they are found.
Multipotent Stem Cells
The three foundational layers of cells that form early in embryonic development.
The innermost layer of the embryo. This layer will become the digestive tract , liver, pancreas, lungs, and other internal organs.
endoderm
These proteins bind directly to DNA in order to express certain genes and repress others.
Special proteins that help control the activity of genes. They are like switches that turn genes on or off, telling cells which proteins to make.
Transcription Factors
The process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to direct the creation of a functional product.
Gene Expression
The germ layers are the starting point for all of an organisms... (hint it's two things)
Organs and tissues
The final stage where mature cells integrate into the tissue or organ system, contributing to the overall function and coordination of the organism
Integration