Term
| What is the cytoskeleton? |
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Definition
| A complex network of fibers that helps maintain cell shape by providing structural support. |
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Term
| In what ways is the cytoskeleton dynamic? |
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Definition
| It changes to alter the cell's shape, to transport materials in the cell, or to move the cell itself. |
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Term
| What are the three types of cytoskeletal elements? |
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Definition
| Actin filaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules. |
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Term
| How do actin filaments form? |
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Definition
| By polymerization of individual actin molecules. |
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Term
| What are the four essential developmental processes? |
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Definition
1) Cell proliferation and programmed death,
2) Cell movement/differential expansion,
3) Cell differentiation,
4) Cell-cell interactions/signaling. |
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Term
| Cell Proliferation and Programmed Death |
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Definition
| Cells divide by mitosis and cytokinesis. The timing, location, and amount of cell division and cell death is regulated. |
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Term
| Cell Movement/Differential Expansion |
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Definition
| Cells can move past one another within a block of animal cells, causing drastic shape changes within the embryo. Certain animal cells can break away from a block of cells and migrate to new locations. Plant cells can divide in certain planes and expand in specific directions, causing dramatic changes in shape. |
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Term
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Definition
| Undifferentiated cells specialize at specific times and places by a stepwise process during development. Cells that do not undergo differentiation are called stem cells in animals. Many plants are capable of de-differentiating. |
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Term
| Cell-Cell Interactions/Signaling |
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Definition
| Embryonic cells grow, move, or differentiate in response to signals from other cells. |
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