TGF-Beta Family

Question 1

What are some of the wider functions of TGF-Beta family proteins?

Answer 1

Stimulation of cell division
Inhibition of cell division
Alter synthesis of growth factors, cell adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix
Induction and cell specification in development (especially axis formation)

Question 2

Give some characteristics/behaviour of neural crest cells

Answer 2

These cells are very invasive, very proliferative and highly migratory

Question 3

What is Nodal-related?

Answer 3

TGF-Beta family primary signal from vegetal hemisphere, induces mesoderm in marginal zone

Question 4

During development, what is the primary signal from the vegetal hemisphere that induces mesoderm in marginal zone?

Answer 4

Nodal-related [TGF-Beta family]

Question 5

Where is nodal-related concentration high?

Answer 5

Dorsal mesoderm/organiser

Question 6

Where is nodal-related concentration low?

Answer 6

Ventral mesoderm

Question 7

What is BMP4’s role?

Answer 7

Induces ventral mesoderm formation

Question 8

What is chordin’s role?

Answer 8

Antagonises (inhibits) BMP4 and dorsalises mesoderm

Question 9

What is Xolloid’s role?

Answer 9

Cleaves chordin to allow BMP4 to act

Question 10

What type of molecule is chordin?

Answer 10

Antagonist

Question 11

What type of molecule is Xolloid?

Answer 11

Metalloprotease