# Developmental Biology

> Embryonic development and morphogenesis

- Skill: `ffsshhttiikk/developmental-biology` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add ffsshhttiikk/developmental-biology`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/ffsshhttiikk/developmental-biology/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- License: MIT
- Author: ffsshhttiikk (https://skillmd.com/u/ffsshhttiikk)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/ffsshhttiikk/developmental-biology

---


## What I do

- Study embryonic development and organogenesis
- Analyze pattern formation mechanisms
- Investigate cell differentiation and fate determination
- Research morphogen gradients and signaling
- Study gene regulation during development
- Analyze developmental evolution

## When to use me

- When studying embryonic development
- When analyzing pattern formation
- When investigating organ development
- When researching stem cell differentiation
- When studying developmental diseases
- When analyzing evolutionary developmental biology

## Key Concepts

### Developmental Stages

**Model Organisms**
- *C. elegans*: Fixed cell lineage
- *Drosophila*: Genetic model
- *Zebrafish*: Transparent embryos
- *Xenopus*: External development
- *Mouse*: Mammalian model

### Pattern Formation

**Morphogens**
- BMP: Bone morphogenetic protein
- Wnt: Cell fate specification
- Hedgehog: Segmentation
- FGF: Growth and patterning
- Shh: Sonic hedgehog

### Gene Regulatory Networks

```python
# Example: Segment polarity network (simplified)
segment_polarity_network = {
    'engrailed': 'activated_by_en',
    'wingless': 'expressed_in_anterior',
    'hedgehog': 'expressed_in_posterior'
}
# Key: Cell-cell communication controls segment pattern
```

### Key Processes

- Fertilization and zygote formation
- Cleavage and blastula formation
- Gastrulation: Germ layer formation
- Neurulation: Nervous system formation
- Organogenesis: Organ formation
- Metamorphosis: Body plan changes