Final answer:
Branching morphogenesis involves tissues and growth factors that signal and guide cell differentiation during organogenesis. In vertebrates, ectoderm cells differentiate into epithelial or neuronal cells based on growth factor signals, while interactions with the extracellular matrix play a crucial role. In plants, hormones like ethylene and jasmonate regulate thigmomorphogenesis in response to mechanical stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tissues and growth factors involved in branching morphogenesis are complex and vary among different organisms. In vertebrates, branching morphogenesis is a critical aspect of organogenesis, particularly in the development of the neural system. During this process, ectoderm forms both epithelial cells and neuronal tissues. Special signaling molecules known as growth factors play a crucial role by signaling some cells at the edge of the ectoderm to become epidermal cells, while the remaining cells in the center form the neural plate.
Another important aspect of morphogenesis is the interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). This interaction involves secretions such as fibronectin, which binds to integrins on cell membranes, signaling cell and tissue differentiation and aiding in the formation of appropriate cell junctions.
Besides these signaling pathways, the mechanical environment and tissue elasticity can also influence development. In plants, thigmomorphogenesis is the response to mechanical stress, where growth hormones like ethylene and jasmonate are speculated to be involved in modifying tissue growth and differentiation in response to mechanical strain.