Principles of Development

Principles of Development explains how a single cell develops into specialised cell types, controls the organisation of these cells into tissues and organs, and forms an unimaginably complex living organism. It also explains how some adult animals can regenerate fully functioning limbs. Cutting-edge science is explained clearly and succinctly, with rich illustrations and online resources for students.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 768 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The process by which a single cell evolves into a diverse array of specialized cell types, orchestrates the organization of these cells into tissues and organs, and ultimately gives rise to an incredibly complex living organism, such as a human, is a subject of profound interest and study. Furthermore, the ability of certain adult animals to regenerate fully functioning limbs is a remarkable feat that has captivated scientists for decades. Principles of Development, a comprehensive textbook in developmental biology, provides a comprehensive exploration of these topics.

Developmental biology is a multidisciplinary field that combines genetics, cell biology, physiology, and anatomy to understand the complex processes of growth, differentiation, and specialization. The book aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles of development and to provide them with a framework for understanding the diverse range of organisms that undergo these processes.

The text begins by providing an overview of the cell cycle and cell differentiation, which are the basic processes that underpin the development of all living organisms. It then delves into the mechanisms that regulate these processes, including gene expression, signaling pathways, and epigenetic regulation. The book also discusses the role of environmental factors in shaping development, including maternal effects, embryonic development, and postnatal growth.

One of the key themes of the book is the evolution of developmental processes. It explores how different species have evolved unique developmental strategies to adapt to their environments, and how these strategies have contributed to the diversity of life on Earth. The book also discusses the role of genetics in development, including the inheritance of traits, genetic mutations, and epigenetic regulation.

In addition to its theoretical content, Principles of Development is richly illustrated with custom-drawn figures, animations, and links to online movies that show development happening in real time. These visual resources help students to better understand the complex processes of development and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

The book also provides extensive pedagogical support, both in the text and online. It includes multiple choice questions, answer guidance, and guidance to long-answer questions from the book, as well as three-dimensional perspectives of development by watching the movies of developing model organisms. The signaling animations provide a step-by-step breakdown of complex processes, and the suggested web activities help students to expand their knowledge and guide their studies.

For registered adopters of the text, additional resources are available. These include downloadable figures from the book that can be used in lectures and handouts, as well as help for students to delve into the research presented in silico.

In conclusion, Principles of Development is an essential textbook for students studying developmental biology. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles of development, the mechanisms that regulate these processes, and the evolution of developmental strategies. The book's rich illustrations, animations, and online resources help students to better understand the complex processes of development and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply interested in learning more about the world around you, Principles of Development is a valuable resource that will enhance your understanding of developmental biology.

Weight: 1732g
Dimension: 267 x 204 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198800569
Edition number: 6 Revised edition