Summary
Programmed cell death sculpts tissues, such as separating fingers and toes.
In depth
In C. elegans, exactly 131 of 1090 cells die, via ced genes. Interdigital cells die in limbs; excess neurons are removed; the tadpole tail regresses. Failure of apoptosis causes syndactyly.
Apoptosis sculpts organs, removes transient structures and adjusts cell numbers. Neuron survival depends on neurotrophic factors; about half die.
Example: failure of Müllerian duct regression leads to persistent structures in males.
Apoptosis is programmed cell death, essential for shaping the embryo. Cells shrink, their DNA fragments and they are engulfed by neighbours without causing inflammation.
It sculpts digits by removing interdigital webbing, removes the tadpole tail, eliminates unneeded neurons (about half of those formed die if they do not make connections) and deletes the Mullerian or Wolffian ducts depending on sex. In C. elegans, exactly 131 of 1090 cells die, a discovery that led to the 2002 Nobel Prize. Key players are caspases, Bcl-2 family proteins and death receptors.
Example: webbed fingers show failure of apoptosis.
Frequently asked questions
What is Apoptosis in Development?
Programmed cell death sculpts tissues, such as separating fingers and toes.
Which area of biology covers Apoptosis in Development, and how advanced is it?
Apoptosis in Development is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Sex Determination, Wnt Signalling, Metamorphosis in Amphibians.
Why does Apoptosis in Development matter?
Too little contributes to cancer, too much to degeneration.
Can you give an example of Apoptosis in Development?
Müllerian ducts regress in males through apoptosis.
What should I learn before Apoptosis in Development?
Work through the Beginner topics in Developmental Biology first, such as Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo, then return to Apoptosis in Development. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Apoptosis in Development?
The closest topics to Apoptosis in Development are Sex Determination, Wnt Signalling, Metamorphosis in Amphibians, Induction. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Apoptosis in Development?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Apoptosis in Development. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Apoptosis in Development different from Sex Determination?
Apoptosis in Development: Programmed cell death sculpts tissues, such as separating fingers and toes. Sex Determination: The SRY gene on the Y chromosome triggers male development in mammals. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Apoptosis in Development step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Sex Determination and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.