Development & Ageing Flashcards
What are some of the opposing trends being seen globally?
greater proportion of population is elderly.
greater proportion of life spent in poor health.
Why is it important to study development?
Understanding birth defects
2-5% births have a recognizable birth defect
70-75% of unknown cause
Responsible for up to 70% of neonatal deaths (before 1 month) in 1995
Responsible for 22% of infant deaths (up to 15 months) in 1995
What is a possible explanation to why there is an increase in birth defects/dubfertility?
Age at which families being started has increased significantly
How can studying development aid in understanding cancer?
Understanding development processes can give us insight into processes that underpin the disease
What was the Brenner hypothesis?
nephron number much lower in those with hypertension than controls, could give us insight into tissue design.
What was the Barker hypothesis?
‘Barker Hypothesis’
Impact of the uterine environment ‘programmes’ the fetus for postnatal life
Low birth weight or premature birth associated with risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
Evidence for link to hypertension, T2D and others
What happens in fertilisation?
Occurs within the Fallopian tube
Triggers cortical reaction
Cortical granules release molecules which degrade Zona Pellucida (e.g. ZP2 & 3)
Therefore prevents further sperm binding as no receptors
Haploid to Diploid
