Key Terms and Definitions in Developmental Biology, Quizzes of Biology

Download Key Terms and Definitions in Developmental Biology and more Quizzes Biology in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 differentiation DEFINITION 1 The process by which a cell orgroup of cells become specialized in structureand function. TERM 2 morphogenesis DEFINITION 2 The cellular and tissue-based processes by which ananimal body takes shape. TERM 3 cytoplasmic determinant DEFINITION 3 A maternal substance, such as a protein or RNA, that whenplaced into an egg influences the course ofearly development by regulating the expres-sion of genes that affect the developmentalfate of cells. TERM 4 determination DEFINITION 4 The progressive restriction ofdevelopmental potential in which the possiblefate of each cell becomes more limited as anembryo develops. At the end of determination,a cell is committed to its fate. TERM 5 apoptosis DEFINITION 5 A type of programmedcell death, which is brought about by activa-tion of enzymes that break down many chemi-cal components in the cell. TERM 6 pattern formation DEFINITION 6 The development of a multi-cellular organisms spatial organization, thearrangement of organs and tissues in their char-acteristic places in three-dimensional space. TERM 7 homeotic gene DEFINITION 7 Any of the masterregulatory genes that control placement andspatial organization of body parts in animals,plants, and fungi by controlling the developmental fate of groups of cells. TERM 8 embryonic lethal DEFINITION 8 A mutation with a phenotypeleading to death of an embryo or larva. TERM 9 maternal effect gene DEFINITION 9 A gene that, whenmutant in the mother, results in a mutantphenotype in the offspring, regardless of theoffsprings genotype. Maternal effect genes,also called egg-polarity genes, were firstidentified in Drosophila melanogaster. TERM 10 morphogen DEFINITION 10 A substance, such as Bicoid proteinin Drosophila, that provides positional informa-tion in the form of a concentration gradientalong an embryonic axis.