Synopses & Reviews
Developmental biology is at the core of all biology. It deals with the processes by which the genes in the fertilized egg control cell behavior in the embryo and so determine its pattern, its form, and much of its behavior. The progress in developmental biology in recent years, with the applications of advances in cell and molecular biology, has been remarkable, and an enormous amount of information is now available.
Designed for undergraduates, Principles of Development emphasizes basic principles and key concepts in developmental biology. Central to the authors' approach is the idea that development can best be understood by analyzing how genes control cell behavior. They have assumed that students have some basic familiarity with cell biology and genetics, but all key concepts, like the control of gene activity, are explained in the text. The authors have resisted the temptation to cover every aspect of development and have instead focused on those systems that best illuminate common principles, demonstrating throughout the book that there are universal principles governing development. The focus of the text is on vertebrates and Drosophila, but not to the exclusion of other systems, such as the nematode and the sea urchin, where they best illustrate a concept. An important feature of the book is the inclusion of the development of plants, a topic that has some unique and significant attributes but one that is usually neglected in other texts. Principles are presented clearly and numerous summaries are provided, both in words and in pictures. The illustrations in the book have been carefully designed and chosen to illustrate both experiments and mechanisms.
Synopsis
Written by some of the most influential developmental biologists of this century, this is a new and revised edition of the best-selling textbook
Principles of Development. It is designed for undergraduates and emphasizes principles and key concepts. Central to the authors' approach is the idea that understanding how genes control cell behavior is the key to understanding development. They assume that students are familiar with the basics of cell biology and genetics but provide thorough explanations of all key concepts in the text, like the control of gene activity.
Resisting the temptation to cover every aspect of developmental biology, the authors have instead focused on those systems that best illuminate common principles. The theme of their book is that universal principles govern the process of development. The text also focuses on vertebrates and Drosophila, but without excluding other systems, such as the nematode and the sea urchin. Another important feature of the book is the inclusion of the development of plants usually neglected in other textbooks which has unique and important features.
Synopsis
Led by Lewis Wolpert, an influential developmental biologist, this distinguished team of authors presents a new and revised edition of the best-selling and popular textbook Principles of Development. Central to their approach is an emphasis on principles and key concepts as well as the idea that understanding how genes control cell behavior is the key to comprehending development. The authors assume that students are familiar with the basics of cell biology and genetics but also provide thorough explanations of all key concepts in the text, such as the control of gene activity. The book focuses on those systems-such as vertebrates and Drosophila-that best illuminate the common principles of development, and also discusses other systems like the nematode and sea urchin. A unique feature of the book is its coverage of plant development, which is usually neglected in other textbooks but has significant relevance to the field of developmental biology. Full of spectacular illustrations and diagrams, Principles of Development, Second Edition, provides the excellent content and quality design of its predecessor, and also incorporates valuable new material.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. History and Basic Concepts
The Origins of Developmental Biology
A Conceptual Tool Kit
Chapter 2. Model Systems
Model Organisms: Vertebrates
Model Organisms: Invertebrates
Model Systems: Plants
Identifying Developmental Genes
Chapter 3. Patterning the Vertebrate Body Plan I: Axes and Germ Layers
Setting Up the Body Axes
The Origin and Specification of the Germ Layers
Chapter 4. Patterning the Vertebrate Body Plan II: The Mesoderm and Early Nervous System
Somite Formation and Patterning
Neural Induction and the Role of the Organizer
Chapter 5. Development of the Drosophila Body Plan
Maternal Genes Set Up the Body Axes
Polarization of the Body Axes During Oogenesis
Zygotic Genes Pattern the Early Embryo
Segmentation: Activation of the Pair-Rule Genes
Segment Polarity Genes and Compartments
Segmentation: Selector and Homeotic Genes
Chapter 6. Development of Invertebrates, Ascidians, and Slime Molds
Nematodes
Echinoderms
Ascidians
Cellular Slime Molds
Chapter 7. Plant Development
Embryonic Development
Meristems
Flower Development
Chapter 8. Morphogenesis: Change in Form in the Early Embryo
Cell Adhesion
Cleavage and Formation of the Blastula
Gastrulation
Neural Tube Formation
Cell Migration
Directed Dilation
Chapter 9. Cell Differentiation
The Control of Gene Expression
Models of Cell Differentiation
The Reversibility of Patterns of Gene Activity
Chapter 10. Organogenesis
The Chick Limb
Insect Wings and Legs
The Nematode Vulva
Internal Organs: Heart, Blood Vessels, Lungs, Kidneys, and Teeth
Chapter 11. Development of the Nervous System
Specification of Cell Identity in the Nervous System
The Insect Compound Eye
Axonal Guidance
Neuronal Survival, Synapse Formation and Refinement
Chapter 12. Germ Cells and Sex
Determination of the Sexual Phenotype
The Development of Germ Cells
Fertilization
Chapter 13. Regeneration
Limb Regeneration
Regeneration in Hydra
Chapter 14. Growth and Post-Embryonic Development
Growth
Molting and Metamorphosis
Aging and Senescence
Chapter 15. Evolution and Development
Modification of Development in Evolution
Changes in the Timing of Developmental Processes During Evolution
Evolution of Development
Glossary
Index