Final answer:
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:
- During cortical rotation, the cortical cytoplasm of the embryo rotates relative to the underlying cytoplasm.
- This rotation causes the movement of specific molecules, such as beta-catenin, from the ventral side to the dorsal side of the embryo.
- Once beta-catenin reaches the dorsal-most blastomere, it accumulates in the nucleus and acts as a transcription factor.
- 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.