Specification Of Cell Fates Part 2

Question 1

Define totipotency

Answer 1

A cell with the capacity to develop into a new organism e.g. The fertilised egg cell

Question 2

Define commitment

Answer 2

When developmental fate becomes restricted and differentiation occurs.

Question 3

How do cells know which genes to express?

Answer 3

Internal information (asymmetric inheritance of factors present in the cell)
External information (being exposed to different signals)

Question 4

What is the gray crescent essential for?

Answer 4

Normal development and establishment of the DV axis