Dictionary of Developmental Biology and Embryology

A newly revised edition of the standard reference for the fieldtoday updated with new terms, major discoveries, significantscientists, and illustrations

Developmental biology is the study of the mechanisms ofdevelopment, differentiation, and growth in animals and plants atthe molecular, cellular, and genetic levels. The discipline hasgained prominence in part due to new interdisciplinary approachesand advances in technology, which have led to the rapid emergenceof new concepts and words. The Dictionary of DevelopmentalBiology and Embryology, Second Edition is the firstcomprehensive reference focused on the field′s terms, research,history, and people.

This authoritative A–to–Z resource covers classicalmorphological and cytological terms along with those from moderngenetics and molecular biology. Extensively cross–referenced, theDictionary includes definitions of terms, explanations of concepts,and biographies of historical figures. Comparative aspects aredescribed in order to provide a sense of the evolution ofstructures, and topics range from fundamental terminology, germlayers, and induction to RNAi, evo–devo, stem cell differentiation,and more. Readers will find such features of embryology anddevelopmental biology as:

Vertebrates Invertebrates Plants Developmental genetics Evolutionary developmental biology Molecular developmental biology Medical embryology

The author′s premium on accessibility allows readers at alllevels to enhance their vocabulary in their field and understandterminology beyond their specific focus. Researchers and studentsin developmental biology, cell biology, developmental genetics, andembryology will find the dictionary to be a vital resource.

Preface vii

A 1

B 17

C 30

D 51

E 62

F 75

G 82

H 92

I 107

J 114

K 115

L 118

M 123

N 141

O 149

P 155

Q 178

R 179

S 187

T 207

U 216

V 219

W 224

X 227

Y 228

Z 230

Reference 232

Color Plates

Dr. Dye is Professor of Developmental Biology at Western Connecticut State University. His expertise is in stem cell, embryo and organ culture and he teaches developmental biology and vertebrate embryology. He is the author of numerous articles and two books, including the first edition of the dictionary.

Dictionary of Developmental Biology and Embryology is a"must–have" reference and resource for students in the field aswell as college library collections; professional biologists willalso find it convenient and useful to keep handy. Highlyrecommended.   (Midwest Book Review, 1 March2013)

It would be best suited for undergraduates taking adevelopmental biology course or for new graduate students in thefield.  Summing Up: Recommended.  Lower–divisionundergraduates through graduate students.  (Choice, 1 August 2012)