SUBJECT

Title

Developmental biology II

Type of instruction

practical

Level

master

Part of degree program
Credits

4

Recommended in

Semesters 1-4

Typically offered in

Autumn/Spring semester

Course description

An overview of body structure of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. Handling and propagation of worms. Cell lineage, stages of embryonal and postembryonal development. Investigation of normal and developmental mutant worms

Gametogenesis and localization of morphogens in the oocytes of Drosophila melanogaster. Determination of body axes and segments, introduction to stages of embryonal development. Anatomy of larvae, specificities of larval and imaginal tissues. Hormonal and genetic control of metamorphosis and organogenesis.

Fertilization and embryonic develoment of zebrafish. An overview of molecular mechanisms that control fish development. Larval organs and larval development. Formation of the skull and adult organs.

Pattern of morphogens in frog oocyte. Consequences of fertilization, determination of body axes and formation of Nieuwkoop center and Spemann's organizer. Postembryonal development, specific organs of tadpole. Characteristic features of amphibian metamorphosis

Structure of ovary and oogenesis of birds. Morphogenesis of bird embryo, development and functions of embryonal membranes. Determination of body axes. The genetic and molecular ground of organogenesis.

Fertilization of mammals. Control and consequences of gravidity. Early human development.

Embryonal development of mice. Shaping, development and functions of embryonal membranes. An overview of molecular mechanisms that control the development of body pattern.

Neurulation, formation of brain and head. Development of heart and urogenital apparatus.

Readings
  • SF Gilbert "Developmental Biology”, 7th edition, Palgrave Macmillan, 2003

  • Hand-out printed materials from lecturer