BIOC19H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Microscope, Cadherin, Cell Adhesion
Document Summary
Developmental biology: the study of the developing animal from the fertilized egg right through to the adult stage, study of the development of specific tissues (e. g. formation of blood cells, studied at morphological or molecular level. Regulation of gene expression underlies morphological changes seen in development: example: the gene hmga2 is a key gene regulating height in people. Although its exact mechanism remains unknown, it is thought to increase cell production: butmany genes often work together to achieve a morphological trait, including height. Historical advances in developmental biology: phase 1: descriptive studies. 18th century till now compound microscopes: visual observations, making observation of growing chick embryo. Magnifying lens produced to look at developing chick embryos- observing smaller details. Lens were incorporated into microscopes to further observe details: detailed anatomical drawings, microscopic observations, invention of the compound light microscope depended on, 1. Advances in glass making techniques (for lens development and improvement: 2. Proper specimen preparation: tissue preparation for microscopy, 1.
