Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

11:13
Stem cell-like Xenopus Embryonic Explants to Study Early Neural Developmental Features In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 2, 2016
[Evolution of brain development in amphibians].
Summary
Early amphibian nervous system development shows species differences in neuroepithelium and brain segmentation. Similarities arise from universal morphogenetic mechanisms, not shared ancestry, suggesting positional information guides differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Comparative embryology
Context:
- Early embryonic development in amphibians.
- Neurulation and primary differentiation of the nervous system.
- Interspecific variations in neuroepithelium structure and brain segmentation patterns.
Purpose:
- To examine early nervous system development across amphibian species.
- To identify interspecific differences and similarities in neurulation and brain segmentation.
- To propose a hypothesis explaining observed similarities in brain development.
Summary:
- This study analyzes key events in early amphibian nervous system development, including neurulation and primary differentiation.
- It highlights significant interspecific differences in neuroepithelium structure and patterns of embryonic brain segmentation.
- The findings suggest that conserved morphogenetic mechanisms, rather than common evolutionary origin, drive similar brain developmental patterns among amphibian species.
Impact:
- Challenges traditional views on evolutionary relationships based solely on developmental patterns.
- Proposes a novel hypothesis linking positional information coding to histogenetic differentiation in developing amphibian brains.
- Provides insights into the fundamental principles governing vertebrate nervous system development.
Related Concept Videos
Neurulation
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
Convergent Evolution
Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.The structures that arise from convergent evolution are called analogous structures. They are similar in function even if they are dissimilar in structure. Further, structures can be analogous while also...
Lampbrush Chromosomes
In 1882, Flemming observed lampbrush chromosomes (LBC) in salamander eggs. Later in 1892, Rückert observed LBCs in shark egg cells and coined the term "lampbrush chromosomes" because they looked like brushes used to clean kerosene lamps.
LBCs are made up of two pairs of conjugating homologous chromatids. Each chromatid consists of alternatively positioned regions of condensed-inactive chromatin and loosely placed-active side loops, which can be contracted and extended. The loops resemble the...
LBCs are made up of two pairs of conjugating homologous chromatids. Each chromatid consists of alternatively positioned regions of condensed-inactive chromatin and loosely placed-active side loops, which can be contracted and extended. The loops resemble the...
The Evidence for Evolution
Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.The collection of fossils within sedimentary rocks give a record of common ancestry and often depicts the history of evolution.
Gastrulation
Gastrulation establishes the three primary tissues of an embryo: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. This developmental process relies on a series of intricate cellular movements, which in humans transforms a flat, “bilaminar disc” composed of two cell sheets into a three-tiered structure. In the resulting embryo, the endoderm serves as the bottom layer, and stacked directly above it is the intermediate mesoderm, and then the uppermost ectoderm. Respectively, these tissue strata will form...
Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
There are hollow fluid-filled cavities known as ventricles deep inside the human brain. There are two lateral ventricles, one in each cerebral hemisphere, and each has three different projections — the anterior, inferior, and posterior horns visible from the lateral side. A thin membrane called the septum pellucidum separates the two lateral ventricles. The slender third ventricle in the diencephalon is connected to each lateral ventricle via a channel called the interventricular foramen. The...

