Category: Lab Notes: Developmental Biology

Embryonic cleavage cycles transform a single‑celled zygote into a multicellular embryo through rapid, synchronous divisions. This article explains cleavage patterns, maternal control, and the mid‑blastula transition.

Terminally differentiated cells are highly specialized cells that have undergone a differentiation program and generally withdraw permanently from productive cell division. This article explains the molecular mechanisms of terminal differentiation, its relationship with cell-cycle exit, and the differences between terminal differentiation, quiescence, and cellular senescence.