Limited to 15 students. Recent advances in understanding cellular signaling mechanisms, temporal and spatial aspects of gene expression, and family relationships of gene sequences or protein tertiary structures have revealed new avenues to answering this question. We will compare known developmental mechanisms and constraints which underlie the vast variation of animal forms, with emphasis on the common regulatory networks and principles of biological organization upon which evolution acts. This is a course with advanced readings requiring a strong foundation in cell and developmental biology.
Class size is limited to promote discussion and presentations by the students in class.
Bio 22 or 29.