Chapter 10 (Genes and animal development)

Question 1

Define: Cell differentiation

Answer 1

During development the cells become specialized in structure and function.

Question 2

Define: Morphogenesis

Answer 2

The process that gives an organism it’s shape. It is sometimes known as the “creation of form”.

Question 3

Define: Cloning

Answer 3

Growing a whole new organism from a differentiated somatic cell. This will produce genetically identical individuals (clones)

Question 4

Define: Nuclear transplantation

Answer 4

The nucleus of an unfertilized egg or sperm cell is replaced by the nucleus of a differentiated cell.

Question 5

Define: Pattern formation (positional information)

Answer 5

Given through molecular cues to tell a cell it’s location relative to the body axes and neighboring cells. also determine how the cell will react to future molecular cues.

Question 6

Define: Homeotic genes

Answer 6

Genes that specify the anatomical structure and where that anatomical structure will be.
E.g In fruit fly’s, a homeotic gene in the head would code for the antennae to grow there. If it was mutated then it might accidentally identify the head as being thoracic and as a result the fly would have legs growing out of it’s head.

Question 7

Define: Homeobox

Answer 7

A DNA sequence, approximately 180 base-pairs long, found in genes that regulate the patterns of development.

Question 8

Define: Totipotency

Answer 8

Ability of a single cell to divide and produce all the differentiated cells in an organism. They can produce a whole new organism.
E.g taking a cutting from tree and planting it.

Question 9

Define: Pluripotent

Answer 9

These cells can give rise to all tissue types but cannot produce a whole new organism
E.g stem-cells.