Lecture 1 Intro to Embryo

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Introduction to Embryology - Lecture 1

Development:

The discipline that studies all

processes relating to how a multicellular organism forms from a single cell and

how that organism:

-maintains tissue homeostasis (stem cells

and regeneration)

-adapts to its environment

-produces other single cells that

subsequently propagate the species (germ line)

-ages

-evolves as a species

Textbook definition:

The process of progressive and continuous

change that generates a complex multicellular organism from a single cell.

Development occurs throughout embryogenesis, maturation to the adult form, and

continues into senescence.

The process of deterioration with age.

Zygote: A fertilized egg. Diploid chromosome from Haploid female and haploid male cell.

Embryo: A developing organism prior to birth/hatching.

Embryology: The study of organism development from fertilization to birth.