developmentalbiology

Developmental biology is the branch of biology that studies how organisms grow and develop from a single cell or zygote into mature forms, and how cells organize into tissues, organs, and body plans. It covers embryology, post-embryonic development, and regeneration across animals, plants, fungi, and some algae.

Core processes include cell division and differentiation, morphogenesis, and growth, guided by gene regulatory networks and intercellular signaling. Conserved signaling pathways such as Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog, and BMP coordinate cell fate, tissue patterning, and organ formation, while epigenetic and metabolic states influence developmental trajectories.

Research relies on model organisms such as mouse, Drosophila, zebrafish, C. elegans, and Xenopus, along with techniques like lineage tracing, live imaging, in situ hybridization, single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-based perturbations, and organoid cultures.

Subfields include evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), developmental genetics, stem cell and regenerative biology, and plant developmental biology. Applications range from understanding congenital anomalies to advancing regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.