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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Tracking Morphogenetic Tissue Deformations in the Early Chick Embryo
Published on: October 17, 2011
Break to build: fracture as a unifying morphogenetic strategy
Daniel Santos-Oliván1,2, Christopher J J Chan3, Alejandro Torres-Sánchez1,2
1European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL Barcelona, Calle Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
Fracture - the initiation and propagation of cracks - has long been associated with structural failure. However, active living tissues often harness fracture as a controlled morphogenetic tool due to their unique capacities to self-organise and self-repair. In this Review, we highlight how fractures are actively interpreted, integrated and functionalised within developmental programmes to sculpt tissues across scales and species. We connect core concepts from fracture mechanics, such as stress concentration, energy release and fatigue, to biological contexts, showing how tissues actively adapt these principles by remodelling their adhesion, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix. From reversible epithelial tears to permanent organismal fission, we discuss examples in which fracture contributes to morphogenesis, homeostasis, reproduction and egress. Further, we argue for an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how fractures emerge and drive morphogenetic transitions.
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