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Development of the Chick

Overview

The chicken embryo (Gallus gallus domesticus) provides an economical and accessible model for developmental biology research. Chicks develop rapidly and are amenable to genetic and physiological manipulations, allowing researchers to investigate developmental pathways down to the cell and molecular levels.

This video review of chick development begins by describing the process of egg fertilization and formation within the chicken reproductive tract. Next, the most commonly used chick staging nomenclature, the Hamburger Hamilton staging series, is introduced. Major events in chick development are then outlined, including the dramatic cellular movements known as gastrulation that form the three major cell layers: The ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. Cells from these layers go on to generate all the tissues within the organism, as well as extraembryonic membranes, which are necessary for the transport of gases, nutrients, and wastes within the eggshell. To conclude the discussion, some exciting techniques will be presented as strategies for studying chick development in greater detail.

Procedure

Centuries of embryological studies performed on chicks have significantly advanced our understanding of vertebrate development. Widespread domestication of chickens means that their embryos are easily and affordably acquired. Additionally, the embryos develop externally and are amenable to many physical and genetic manipulations that allow in-depth exploration of developmental processes. This video will cover the basics of chicken reproduction, egg anatomy, and embryo development before delving into some laboratory techni

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Tags
Chick DevelopmentEmbryological StudiesVertebrate DevelopmentDomestication Of ChickensEmbryo ManipulationChicken ReproductionEgg AnatomyEmbryo DevelopmentLaboratory TechniquesEgg AssemblyOvumVitelline MembraneFertilizationGerminal DiscAlbumenEgg WhiteShell MembranesCalcium Carbonate

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0:00

Overview

0:46

Chicken Reproduction

1:57

Chick Development

5:05

Applications

6:55

Summary

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