Developmental Mechanisms Problem Set

This problem set will introduce you to the basic concepts of development in a variety of organisms. You will also learn about the experiments that gave scientists in the early 20th century insight into the mechanisms of development.

Instructions: The following problems have multiple choice answers. Correct answers are reinforced with a brief explanation. Incorrect answers are linked to tutorials to help solve the problem.

1. Definition of a homeotic gene
2. Events that occur during gastrulation
3. Transition to a 2- or 3-layered embryo
4. Role of the optic vessicle in embryonic lens development
5. Fate of embryonic germ layers
6. Spemann and Mangold's embryonic induction experiment
7. Role of homeotic genes in development
8. Embryonic origin of the segments of the adult fruit fly
9. Structure of the blastula