Discover the Biological Sciences
The introductory information for this site has been contributed as a joint assignment by students in Bio. Sci. 10.
Embryology (Developmental Biology)
By: Jennifer Fowler
1) Biological field or sub-topic chosen:
Embryology
2) Define field or sub-topic:
Embryology refers to the development of the fertilized egg cell and its differentiation into tissues and organs.
3) Describe in more detail the breath and depth of what could be studied or learned within this topic:
The study of developmental biology is linked to embryology, and the concept of what genes are responsible for each change in the development of an embryo and how these genes are regulated is a very interesting topic to gain more knowledge in, since it pertains to life itself.
4) Focusing on one major concept, principle, or group of organisms (as appropriate within the topic), describe its importance, relationships, functional aspects, or otherwise explain it in more depth as seems important to you and (potentially) the others in class:
The study of life and development from conception to becoming a fetus has become a very important area in studying the genetic control of the developmental process, its link to cell signaling, its importance for the study of certain diseases, and its link to stem cell research.
5) In studying and discovering more about this topic, what was the most interesting aspect, fact or some other piece of information that you have learned.
The most interesting fact that I have learned is that there is an endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm which are the 3 distinct layers of cells from which all the bodily organs and tissues develop.
The inner layer is the endoderm, gives rise to the digestive organs, lungs, and bladder. The middle layer is the mesoderm, giving rise to the muscles, skeletons, and blood system. And the outer layer is the ectoderm, giving rise to the nervous system and tissue.
6) References – provide references used and at least two Web sites with additional information on this topic (or sub-topic) for anyone that would like to learn more:
http://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embryology
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=dbio.section.36
(return to the "Discover the Biological Sciences" main index page)
Copyright 2008 Sierra College Biological Sciences Department. All Rights Reserved.
