Browse Hierarchy BIO213: Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics

The first part of the module reviews how cells interact during development and how they use their positional information to differentiate into the diverse cell types. Differentiated cells are replaced in adult tissues of many organisms and we will discuss the diverse mechanism of regeneration. In the accompanying exercises on planarian regeneration, the students will use their knowledge of morphogen gradients and regeneration to design experiments to test existing theories. Furthermore, the module introduces the interaction of cells and environment covering topics such as teratogenesis. In the second part of the module, we will discuss the adult functions and interactions of cells in cell communication and cell signaling through cell-cell junctions and with the extracellular matrix. In addition, various modes of cell migration and invasion will be reviewed.