Ramos, Tayco _BIO 102 GASTRULATION ACTIVITY

1.
Ramos, Tayco _BIO 102 GASTRULATION ACTIVITY

2.
Ramos, Tayco _BIO 102 GASTRULATION ACTIVITY

3.

II. DIFFERENTIATE THE MORPHOGENETIC MOVEMENTS OF FROGS,BIRDS, AND

MAMMALS.
Ramos, Tayco _BIO 102 GASTRULATION ACTIVITY

The morphogenetic movements of frogs, birds, and mammals are similar in many
ways, but there are also some important differences. In all three groups, the three
germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) are formed through a
combination of cell migration and tissue folding. However, the specific movements
that occur during gastrulation vary depending on the species.

Frogs

In frogs, gastrulation begins with the formation of the blastopore, a crescent-shaped

opening on the ventral side of the embryo. Epiblast cells then migrate through the
blastopore and into the blastocoel, where they form the endoderm and mesoderm.
The epiblast cells that remain on the surface of the embryo form the ectoderm.

The gastrulation pattern in frogs is characterized by a process called involution, in

which cells fold inward through the blastopore. This process results in the formation
of a three-layered embryo with the ectoderm on the outside, the endoderm on the
inside, and the mesoderm in the middle.

Birds

In birds, gastrulation begins with the formation of the primitive streak, a linear
thickening of epiblast cells on the dorsal side of the embryo. Epiblast cells then
migrate through the primitive streak and into the blastoderm, where they form the
endoderm and mesoderm. The epiblast cells that remain on the surface of the
embryo form the ectoderm.

The gastrulation pattern in birds is similar to that in frogs, but there are some
important differences. For example, the primitive streak in birds is relatively short
Ramos, Tayco _BIO 102 GASTRULATION ACTIVITY

and does not extend as far anteriorly as in frogs. Additionally, involution is not as
pronounced in birds as it is in frogs.

Mammals

In mammals, gastrulation begins with the formation of the primitive streak, a linear
thickening of epiblast cells on the dorsal side of the embryo. Epiblast cells then
migrate through the primitive streak and into the blastocoel, where they form the
endoderm and mesoderm. The epiblast cells that remain on the surface of the
embryo form the ectoderm.

The gastrulation pattern in mammals is characterized by a process called

convergent extension, in which cells converge towards the midline of the embryo
and extend along the anterior-posterior axis. This process results in the formation of
a long and narrow primitive streak.

Key differences in morphogenetic movements

One of the key differences between the morphogenetic movements of frogs, birds,
and mammals is the role of involution. In frogs, involution is the primary mechanism
by which the three germ layers are formed. In birds and mammals, involution also
occurs, but it is less pronounced. Instead, convergent extension plays a larger role in
shaping the embryo.

Another key difference is the timing of gastrulation. In frogs, gastrulation begins

relatively early in development, when the embryo is still relatively small. In birds and
mammals, gastrulation begins later in development, after the embryo has grown and
differentiated to a greater extent.
Ramos, Tayco _BIO 102 GASTRULATION ACTIVITY

Similarities in morphogenetic movements

Despite the differences in timing and emphasis on specific movements, the overall
morphogenetic patterns of frogs, birds, and mammals are very similar. In all three
groups, the three germ layers are formed through a combination of cell migration
and tissue folding. Additionally, the spatial relationships between the germ layers are
similar in all three groups. For example, the ectoderm always forms the outer layer
of the embryo, the endoderm always forms the inner layer of the embryo, and the
mesoderm always forms the layer in between.