Developmental Biology Subject Guide

Developmental biology is the study of how multi-cellular organisms develop. One of the main branches of this field studies the processes involved with fertilization and the immediate formation and development of cell clusters. Another area in developmental biology studies how the cells change and differ. Evolution is the underlying connection in all fields in these studies of cells and life cycles. Understanding the processes of developmental biology can help scientists prevent birth defects and detect genetic disorders.

Gametogenesis and Fertilization

• Simulating Gametogenesis and Fertilization – A classroom resource for teachers and students
• Gametogenesis and Fertilization in Animals – Using sea urchins as an example with pictures
• Gametogenesis – An explanation of gametogenesis with pictures
• Topics in Gametogenesis – Information on various aspects of gametogenesis

Organogenesis and Morphogenesis

• The Stages – Following the stages of organogenesis and morphogenesis
• Mechanisms of Morphogenesis – The Hardin Lab’s page of images and research
• The Kidney Development Database – The largest international database dedicated to kidney development
• Morphogenesis and Regeneration – Ongoing studies from the University of Virginia

Pattern Formation

• The Development and Evolution of Pattern Formations – An explanation how patterns distort and displace each other
• Patterning – Cell biology of developmental patterning
• Neuroscience Research – University of Oregon’s work on neural patterning
• Early Patterning in Frogs – Research from MIT’s Sive Lab

Gene Regulation and Genetics

• Left-Right Axis Formation – Research on the heart and brain
• Neuron Differentiation – UC San Diego is studying the mechanisms by which neurons differentiate
• The Mouse Atlas Project – Edinburgh’s project on mouse development
• Fruitfly Project – Home of the Berkeley Drosophilia Genome Project

Evolution and Development

• Understanding Evolution – The history of evolutionary thought
• Evolution: Size and Shape – An introduction to evolutionary development
• Evolution: Genes and Morphology – The development of morphology
• Brain Evolution and Development – A paper on brain development
• Plant Evolution – A study evolution through leaf dissection
• Development Returns to Evolution Theory – An article on new developments in evolutionary thought

Diseases, Defects and Development

• National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities – Information and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Neural Tube Defects – Information on one of the most common birth defects
• Birth Defects – Ways in which some birth defects might occur
• Environmental Factors – Environmental factors that contribute to birth defects
• What are Genetic Disorders? – A digital library of genetic disorders

Societies and Organizations

• American Association for the Advancement of Science – The largest general science society
• Society for Developmental Biology – Furthering the study of development in all organisms at all levels
• International Society of Differentiation – Promoting research in cancer, stem cells, and morphogenesis
• American Society for Cell Biology – Promoting and developing the field of cell biology
• Society for In Vitro Biology – Fosters the exchange of knowledge for the field of in vitro biology

Educational Resources

• Developmental Biology – An overview of the field formerly known as embryology
• The Tree of Life Web Project – An ongoing project for the collection of texts and images relating to biodiversity and evolution
• Biology Education Online – A peer reviewed journal for K-16 educators
• DevBio – A website dedicated to education in the field of developmental biology

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