Mechanisms of Morphogenesis

Morphogenesis is the set of processes that generate shape and form in the embryo--an important area within developmental biology. An exciting and up-to-the-minute account of the very latest research into the factors that create biological form, Mechanisms of Morphogenesis, second edition is a text reference on the mechanisms of cell and tissue morphogenesis in a diverse array of organisms, including prokaryotes, animals, plants and fungi.

By combining hard data with computer modeling, Mechanisms of Morphogenesis, second edition equips readers with a much broader understanding of the scope of modern research than is otherwise available. The book focuses on the ways in which the genetic program is translated to generate cell shape, to direct cell migration, and to produce the shape, form and rates of growth of the various tissues. Each topic is illustrated with experimental data from real systems, with particular reference to gaps in current knowledge and pointers to future

Includes over 200 four-color figuresOffers an integrated view of theoretical developmental biology and computer modelling with laboratory-based discoveriesCovers experimental techniques as a guide to the readerOrganized around principles and mechanisms, using them to integrate discoveries from a range of organisms and systems

1) Introductory Section
1.1 General introduction
1.2 Key principles of morphogenesis
1.3 The power and limitations of self-assembly

2) Cell shape and the cell morphogenesis
2.1 Morphogenesis by changing cell shape: a brief overview
2.2 Shape in animal cells: tensegrity
2.3 Making cellular processes
2.4 Shape in plant cells

3) Cell Migration
3.1 Cell migration in development: a brief overview
3.2 The nanomachinery of locomotion
3.3 Guidance by chemotaxis
3.4 Guidance by galvanotaxis
3.5 Guidance by contact
3.6 Waypoint navigation in the embryo
3.7 Condensation of cells

4) Epithelial Morphogenesis
4.1 The epithelial state – brief overview
4.2 Neighbour exchange and convergent extension
4.3 Closure of holes
4.4 Invagination and evagination
4.5 Epithelial fusion
4.6 Epithelial Branching

5) Morphogenesis by cell proliferation and death
5.1 Growth, proliferation and death – a brief introduction
5.2 Morphogenesis by orientated cell division
5.3 Morphogenesis by elective cell death

6) Conclusion and perspectives