Question

Early scientists developed major principles of development via simple experiments. Driesch separated the cells of a two cell se urchin embryo and each produced a whole, but smaller embryo. In contrast, when Roux killed one of the two cells of a two cell frog embryo, only half an embryo developed. What does this contrast tell us about cell fates?

Answer 1

Cells contain pre-programmed cell fate information but can also adjust their fate based on signalling from neighbours.

Step-by-step explanation:

• From Driesch's experiment it can be seen that even though the two cells are separated from each other, each of these two cells had the information which enabled these two cells to produce a whole embryo as both these cells possessed the same genetic information that was required.
• Thus, Driesch's experiment led us to the conclusion that each cell has its pre-programmed cell fate which it follows and differentiates accordingly.
• However, from Roux's experiment it can be seen that in the absence of another cell the single surviving cell was not able to develop into a whole embryo which points out to the fact that even though the cells have a pre-programmed fate, for their differentiation they require signaling interactions from their neighboring cells to reach their ultimate fate.