Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 8, 2026

12:59
Three and Four-Dimensional Visualization and Analysis Approaches to Study Vertebrate Axial Elongation and Segmentation
Published on: February 28, 2021
4.3K
Multiple roles of timing in somite formation
Claudio D Stern1, Agnieszka M Piatkowska1
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|June 28, 2015
Summary
Vertebrate embryos form somites, segmented blocks crucial for development. This study explores the timing mechanisms controlling somite spatial pattern formation during embryogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Embryogenesis
- Molecular mechanisms
Background:
- Vertebrate embryos develop segmented blocks called somites.
- Somites form the vertebral column, muscles, and dermis.
- Somite formation is a sequential process from mesenchymal tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss timing-related mechanisms in somite development.
- To understand how spatial patterns are established.
- To explore the control of somite number, size, and timing.
Main Methods:
- Review of timing-related mechanisms in somite development.
- Analysis of spatial pattern formation control.
- Examination of developmental processes.
Main Results:
- Timing mechanisms are critical for establishing somite spatial patterns.
- Embryos precisely control somite formation timing.
- These mechanisms ensure proper development of segmented structures.
Conclusions:
- Precise timing is essential for correct somite spatial patterning.
- Understanding these mechanisms provides insight into vertebrate development.
- Further research into timing-related gene regulation is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Zygotic Development And Stem Cell Formation
7.5K
The development of all multicellular organisms starts with the fusion of haploid cells called sperm and egg to form a diploid zygote. A zygote is a totipotent cell that can develop into a complete organism. The zygote undergoes cell division or cleavage to form an 8-cell mass. Until this stage, the cells are spherical, loosely attached, and remain totipotent. Totipotent cells are capable of developing both the embryonic and the extraembryonic tissues. However, as they continue to divide, they...
7.5K
Gastrulation
69.4K
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...
69.4K
Determination
21.4K
During embryogenesis, cells become progressively committed to different fates through a two-step process: specification followed by determination. Specification is demonstrated by removing a segment of an early embryo, “neutrally” culturing the tissue in vitro—for example, in a petri dish with simple medium—and then observing the derivatives. If the cultured region gives rise to cell types that it would normally generate in the embryo, this means that it is specified. In...
21.4K

