Summary
Cells move along tracks and chemical cues to reach their destination, as neural crest cells do.
In depth
Neural crest cells migrate along defined routes to form facial cartilage, pigment cells and nerves; primordial germ cells migrate to the gonads. Guidance involves adhesion, chemotaxis and contact inhibition.
Migration uses adhesion molecules (cadherins, integrins) and guidance cues. Collective movement of epithelial sheets also occurs. Epiboly spreads cells over the yolk in fish and frogs.
Example: germ cells travel from the yolk sac to the gonads in human embryos.
Cell migration moves cells to new locations, shaping tissues and organs. Cells crawl using actin-rich protrusions, responding to chemotaxis, haptotaxis (adhesion gradients) and contact guidance by the extracellular matrix.
Neural crest cells travel long distances to form facial skeleton, pigment cells and neurons; primordial germ cells move from the yolk sac to the gonads; neurons migrate along radial glia to build the cortex; and lateral line primordium moves as a cohesive group in zebrafish. Cadherins and integrins control adhesion.
Example: errors in neural crest migration cause conditions such as Hirschsprung disease.
Key idea: collective migration depends on cells communicating.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cell Migration in Embryo?
Cells move along tracks and chemical cues to reach their destination, as neural crest cells do.
Which area of biology covers Cell Migration in Embryo, and how advanced is it?
Cell Migration in Embryo 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 Neural Crest Cells, Induction, Somites.
Can you give an example of Cell Migration in Embryo?
Hirschsprung disease results from failed neural crest cell migration into the gut.
What should I learn before Cell Migration in Embryo?
Work through the Beginner topics in Developmental Biology first, such as Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo, then return to Cell Migration in Embryo. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Cell Migration in Embryo?
The closest topics to Cell Migration in Embryo are Neural Crest Cells, Induction, Somites, Germ Layers and Their Fates. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Cell Migration in Embryo?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Cell Migration in Embryo. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Cell Migration in Embryo different from Neural Crest Cells?
Cell Migration in Embryo: Cells move along tracks and chemical cues to reach their destination, as neural crest cells do. Neural Crest Cells: Multipotent migratory cells that form facial bones, pigment cells and peripheral neurons. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Cell Migration in Embryo 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 Neural Crest Cells and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.