MOB-20803 Mechanisms of Development

Course

Credits 3.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures16
Practical extensively supervised16
Course coordinator(s)prof. dr. T Bisseling
Lecturer(s)prof. dr. T Bisseling
dr. ir. S Kranenbarg
Examiner(s)prof. dr. T Bisseling

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

CBI-10306 Cell Biology
EZO-10306 Human and Animal Biology I
GEN-11806 Fundamentals of Genetics and Molecular Biology
PCB-10803 Reproduction of Plants
PPH-10806 Structure and Function of Plants

Continuation courses:

EZO-22306 Developmental Biology of Plants and Animals

Contents:

This course deals with the processes that coordinate the development of a single cell into a complex multi-cellular organism. In general all cells of an organism originate from a single cell and they share the same set of genes. However, they show differential gene expression and therefore cells can have different functions within an organism. The emphasis in this course is on stem cells, and the molecular mechanisms by which differentiation is induced at the right place and time during development (=pattern formation). Stem cells have the ability to develop into (sever)all cell types (pluripotency). During the course the similarities and differences of plant and animal stem cells are explained. Mechanisms that control pattern formation in plants as well as in animals are for example:
- the formation of gradients of morphogens that are subsequently translated into distinct regions (tissues) with sharp borders;
- cell communication leading to the induction of a new cell type at the interface;
- noise that by lateral inhibition is translated into a pattern.
The underlying molecular mechanism of such developmental concepts will be explained during the course. For example: how does a gradient of a morphogen turn on key regulators in distinctive regions which subsequently affect the expression of target genes and how can small random differences between cells lead to a typical pattern formation by cell-cell communication.

Learning outcomes:

The student should be able to:
- understand molecular mechanisms that control pattern formation and maintenance of pluripotency in stem cells
- explain the underlying principles of the regulation of development;
- indicate the similarities and differences between the developmental processes in plants and animals.

Activities:

Lectures and computer modules.

Examination:

Written exam with open questions.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: BBIBiologyBSc3AF
Restricted Optional for: MNHNutrition and HealthMScC: Molecular Nutrition and Toxicology3AF