Abstract
Normal embryonic development is not a linear process of cell and tissue growth and differentiation (Hurle, 1988). There are many examples in which an early embryonic structure undergoes a reshaping process involving a substantial phenomenon of cell death. In some cases the tissue loss affects to fully formed organs which play a transitory functional role in the developing individual. This is the case of the loss of the tail in the developing anura amphibia during metamorphosis. In other cases cell death appears closely linked to morphogenesis an appears to play an sculpturing role for the achievement of the final shape of a developing structure. This appears to be the case in “interdigital cell death” occurring during morphogenesis of the digits of the amniote embryos.
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Hurle, J.M., Macias, D., Gañan, Y., Ros, M.A., Fernandez-Teran, M.A. (1991). The Interdigital Spaces of the Chick Leg Bud as a Model for Analysing Limb Morphogenesis and Cell Differentiation. In: Hinchliffe, J.R., Hurle, J.M., Summerbell, D. (eds) Developmental Patterning of the Vertebrate Limb. NATO ASI Series, vol 205. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3310-8_34
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3310-8_34
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