02625 - Embryology

Academic Year 2008/2009

  • Docente: Maria Gabriella Maurizii
  • Credits: 3
  • SSD: BIO/06
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LS) in Biodiversity and Evolution (cod. 0544)

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to provide knowledge concerning animal development by discussing different invertebrates and vertebrates model systems.

Course contents

History and basic concepts. Gametogenesis: spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Fertilization: the egg-sperm recognition; the prevention of polyspermy; the activation of egg metabolism. Strategies of cleavage and gastrulation in different models such as sea urchin and Drosophila melanogaster as examples of invertebrates development and in Xenopus laevis, zebra fish, chicken and mouse, as examples of vertebrates development. The specification of embryo development: mosaic development and regulative development. The  axis formation;  the origin and specification of the germ layers. Axis formation in Amphibians: the Spemann organizer, the origin of the Nieuwkoop center; the mesoderm induction and patternig

Readings/Bibliography

Biologia dello sviluppo, Lewis Wolpert, Zanichelli Ed

Teaching methods

Classroom lessons; demonstractions of laboratory using macroscopic and microscopic specimens.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

Teaching tools

Power point presentations.

Links to further information

http://www.biologia.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Maria Gabriella Maurizii