developmental-biology

## What I do - Study embryonic development and organogenesis - Analyze pattern formation mechanisms - Investigate cell differentiation and fate determination - Research morphogen gradients and signaling - Study gene regulation during development - Analyze developmental evolution ## When to use me - When studying embryonic development - When analyzing pattern formation - When investigating organ development - When researching stem cell differentiation - When studying developmental diseases - When analyzing evolutionary developmental biology ## Key Concepts ### Developmental Stages **Model Organisms** - *C. elegans*: Fixed cell lineage - *Drosophila*: Genetic model - *Zebrafish*: Transparent embryos - *Xenopus*: External development - *Mouse*: Mammalian model ### Pattern Formation **Morphogens** - BMP: Bone morphogenetic protein - Wnt: Cell fate specification - Hedgehog: Segmentation - FGF: Growth and patterning - Shh: Sonic hedgehog ### Gene Regulatory Networks ```python # Example: Segment polarity network (simplified) segment_polarity_network = { 'engrailed': 'activated_by_en', 'wingless': 'expressed_in_anterior', 'hedgehog': 'expressed_in_posterior' } # Key: Cell-cell communication controls segment pattern ``` ### Key Processes - Fertilization and zygote formation - Cleavage and blastula formation - Gastrulation: Germ layer formation - Neurulation: Nervous system formation - Organogenesis: Organ formation - Metamorphosis: Body plan changes