Question

How does cortical rotation lead to b-catenin activation in the dorsal-most blastomere?

Answer 1

Cortical rotation is a process during early embryonic development that leads to the activation of beta-catenin in the dorsal-most blastomere. This activation plays a role in axis formation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cortical rotation is a process that occurs during early embryonic development and plays a role in axis formation. In vertebrates, including humans, cortical rotation leads to the activation of beta-catenin in the dorsal-most blastomere. Here is a step-by-step explanation:

1. During cortical rotation, the cortical cytoplasm of the embryo rotates relative to the underlying cytoplasm.
2. This rotation causes the movement of specific molecules, such as beta-catenin, from the ventral side to the dorsal side of the embryo.
3. Once beta-catenin reaches the dorsal-most blastomere, it accumulates in the nucleus and acts as a transcription factor.
4. Activation of beta-catenin in the dorsal-most blastomere leads to the expression of specific genes that are involved in axis formation, such as genes responsible for notochord and neural plate development.