Just prior to the onset of gastrulation in an embryo, the "organizer" cells are specified. What would you expect in the developing embryo if the specification of these cells were experimentally blocked?
A) There would be no effect on development.
B) Gastrulation would not occur, and normal development would cease.
C) The body axes would develop normally, but the embryo would not grow appendages.
D) The embryo would not develop an intestine, but all other organs and tissues would develop normally.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gastrulation is a critical phase in embryonic development where the three primary germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) are formed. The "organizer" cells play a crucial role in initiating and directing this process. Blocking the specification of these cells would prevent gastrulation from occurring, leading to a halt in normal development.

Just Prior to the Onset of Gastrulation in an Embryo