Cell Growth in Embryos: Is it Actively Inhibited?

In summary, an embryo can increase its cell number without increasing its overall size due to the rapid division of cells. This is achieved by abolishing the growth period between DNA replication steps, which eliminates the need for G1 and G2 phases. The constant size of the embryo is maintained by increasing the number of cell walls, rather than the size of the cells themselves.
  • #1
sontag
42
0
An embryo can increase its cell number without increasing
its overall size.Is this because cell growth is actively inhibited?
 
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  • #2
sontag said:
An embryo can increase its cell number without increasing
its overall size.Is this because cell growth is actively inhibited?
Do you mean increasing the size of the embryo, or decreasing the size of the cell?
 
  • #3
I mean keeping the embryo the same size but increasing the cell number,
presumably just by increasing the number of cell walls.
 
  • #4
The constant size of the embryo is due to the rapid division of the cells. The cell goes through a rapid a cell cycle which abolish the growth period between DNA replication steps (i.e. no G1 or G2 phase). The G1 and G2 phase can be abolish because the egg is an oversize cell.
 
  • #5
What stops G1 and G2?
 

Related to Cell Growth in Embryos: Is it Actively Inhibited?

1. What is cell growth in embryos?

Cell growth in embryos refers to the process by which cells divide and multiply to form the various tissues and organs of an embryo during development. This is a crucial step in the formation of a fully formed organism.

2. How is cell growth in embryos regulated?

Cell growth in embryos is regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways and genetic mechanisms. These processes work together to ensure that cells divide and differentiate at the right time and in the right location.

3. Is cell growth in embryos actively inhibited?

Yes, cell growth in embryos is actively inhibited through various mechanisms such as cell cycle checkpoints, negative feedback loops, and regulatory proteins. This helps to ensure that cell growth occurs in a controlled and precise manner.

4. What happens if cell growth in embryos is not inhibited?

If cell growth in embryos is not inhibited, it can lead to uncontrolled cell division and abnormal growth, resulting in developmental defects or even cancer. This is why the regulation of cell growth is crucial for proper embryonic development.

5. Can environmental factors affect cell growth in embryos?

Yes, environmental factors such as nutrition, exposure to toxins, and maternal health can impact cell growth in embryos. These factors can disrupt the normal regulation of cell growth and potentially lead to developmental abnormalities.

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