Hobbies And Interests
Cell Differentiation
Developmental biologists study how and why cells differentiate themselves from other cells. Cell differentiation is one of the most basic mechanical processes of organic growth. Single cells, known as zygotes or spores, manifest increasingly specialized characteristics and behaviors as they grow and begin to associate with cells of like-type. Understanding how and why a cell might become a blood cell as opposed to a bone cell, for example, may have important implications in medicine and biotechnology.
Embryo Growth
Developmental biologists whose work focuses on embryology study not only how and why cells take on specific characteristics and functions, but also how those cells group to form organs. Cells communicate to each other via proteins on their surfaces in a process called patterning. Developmental biology also studies how malfunctions induced by genetic or environmental factors influence organ formation during the patterning process. Developmental biologists' work in this area impacts prenatal care.
Cloning
Cloning is the production of genetically identical organisms through copying DNA and inducing cell growth. Animals have been created through the cloning process, most notably Dolly, a Dorset sheep that developmental biologists used to study whether cell differentiation could be reversed. Work in cloning is applied in the medical field, as well as fundamental research. Cloned organs may enable humans who have suffered severe organ damage to receive organ transplants and continue functioning normally.
Regeneration
Regeneration is the process by which cells repair and reproduce themselves to form new cell groupings and organs. This is essentially the reproduction of body parts after they have been removed. Adult salamanders can reproduce limbs after amputation. Developmental biologists study regeneration in order to determine if human limbs and organs could be regenerated upon inducement of the body's cells to engage in regenerative behavior.