Developmental Biology

Catalog description

In this course, we answer the most fundamental question in biology: How does a single cell grow and develop into and organism with different cell types, tissues and organ systems? You will become familiar with the different patterns of development from gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, neurulation, and organogenesis. These developmental stages will be examined through different model organism including the sea urchin, Xenopus, Drosophila, chick and mouse. We will look at cellular mechanisms and pathways central to development, with an emphasis of the RTK and Wnt signaling pathways. Stress is placed upon the morphological development of the three germ layers and how each contributes to the organ systems in vertebrate development.