Developmental Biology

Developmental biology is the study of the process by which organisms grow and develop from a single cell, such as a fertilized egg, into a complex multicellular adult. This field investigates the intricate genetic and molecular mechanisms that control cell division, differentiation (the process of cells becoming specialized), and morphogenesis (the organization of cells into tissues, organs, and overall body structure). It encompasses the entire lifespan, examining not only embryogenesis but also metamorphosis, regeneration, and the biological processes of aging, to understand how a complete organism is formed and maintained.

Embryology is the branch of developmental biology that studies the prenatal development of gametes (sex cells), fertilization, and the subsequent development of embryos and fetuses. It traces the intricate journey from a single-celled zygote through the complex processes of cell division, differentiation, and morphogenesis, which lead to the formation of tissues, organs, and the overall body plan of an organism. This field provides critical insights into congenital disorders, the mechanisms of growth, and the evolutionary relationships between different species by examining the earliest stages of life before birth, hatching, or metamorphosis.