Final answer:
The ventral portion of the neural tube is the part that responds to Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), a key signaling molecule in the patterning of the central nervous system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of the neural tube that responds to Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) is the ventral portion. During embryonic development, the neural tube forms from neuroectodermal tissue and is subject to the influence of various signaling molecules.
SHH is a critical morphogen that emanates from the notochord and the floor plate of the neural tube, playing an essential role in patterning the ventral region of the neural tube. This morphogen establishes distinct neuronal subtypes by dictating the dorsal-ventral axis organization of the central nervous system (CNS) via gradient-based mechanisms.
SHH signaling is vital for the proper development of the central nervous system and its impairment can lead to serious congenital defects. It's also important to acknowledge that the neural crest cells, which originate from the dorsal part of the neural tube, give rise to parts of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and other structures like craniofacial cartilage and bone, and melanocytes, indicating the complexity and significance of neural tube development.