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Autonomous Specification
Delve into the realm of embryonic cell commitment through the lens of autonomous specification. This strategy, found in various organisms like snail Patella and tunicate embryos, involves the independent determination of cell fate within the egg cytoplasm. Discover how specific regions and factors influence gene expression, ultimately steering cells toward distinct destinies. Explore the groundbreaking…
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Conditional Specification
Explore the fascinating concept of conditional specification in embryonic development, where cell destinies are shaped by interactions with neighboring cells. Unveil the significance of juxtacrine and paracrine factors, as well as mechanical stress, in determining cell fates. Discover how pivotal experiments by pioneers like Wilhelm Roux and Hans Dreisch challenged traditional notions of autonomy. Delve…
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Syncytial Specification
Delve into the intricate strategy of syncytial specification, a unique approach to cell fate determination. Explore its fusion of autonomous and conditional aspects, witnessed in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Uncover the significance of the syncytial blastoderm—a shared cytoplasm containing multiple nuclei—and how it plays a pivotal role in the simultaneous establishment of cell identities…
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Exons and Introns
Dive into the intricate world of gene transcription with a focus on exons and introns. Explore how eukaryotic genes differ from prokaryotic ones and uncover the roles of exons, coding sequences, and introns, non-coding segments, in shaping gene expression. Delve into the structure of the human β-globin gene as a case study, unraveling its various…
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Vulval Induction in C. elegans
Dive into the intriguing world of vulval induction in C. elegans. Explore the transformation from male to female as hermaphrodites mature. Uncover the role of vulval precursor cells (VPCs) and the complex interplay of paracrine and juxtacrine signaling in forming the vulva. Delve into the significance of the anchor cell, LIN-3 protein, and the RTK…
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