embryo development

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of an embryo from its formation until the end of its embryonic life stage. The end of the embryonic stage is organism-specific. For example, for mammals, the process would begin with zygote formation and end with birth. For insects, the process would begin at zygote formation and end with larval hatching. For plant zygotic embryos, this would be from zygote formation to the end of seed dormancy. For plant vegetative embryos, this would be from the initial determination of the cell or group of cells to form an embryo until the point when the embryo becomes independent of the parent plant. [GOC:go_curators, GOC:isa_complete, GOC:mtg_sensu]

Embryo development is a complex and tightly regulated process that begins with the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, resulting in the formation of a single-celled zygote. This initial cell undergoes rapid and coordinated cell division, known as cleavage, to create a multicellular structure called a blastula.

The blastula undergoes gastrulation, a process where cells migrate and rearrange to form three distinct germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. These germ layers give rise to all the tissues and organs of the developing embryo.

Organogenesis, the formation of organs, follows gastrulation. During this stage, specific tissues differentiate and interact with each other to form the various organs and systems of the body.

Throughout embryo development, key signaling pathways and regulatory molecules play crucial roles in controlling cell division, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. These pathways include Wnt, Hedgehog, TGF-beta, and Notch signaling.

As the embryo develops, it also undergoes morphogenesis, the process of acquiring its shape and structure. This includes the formation of body axes, limbs, and other characteristic features.

Finally, embryo development culminates in the birth of a live organism. This involves a series of complex physiological changes, including labor and delivery, which allow the infant to transition from the intrauterine environment to the external world.

Embryo development is a remarkable journey of transformation, involving intricate coordination of cellular processes and genetic programs. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for advancing our knowledge of human development and addressing reproductive health issues.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (2)