Compartment (development)

Compartment (development) is a fundamental concept in developmental biology that refers to a section of the embryo in which all cells share a common developmental fate and are isolated from the neighboring compartments. This isolation is maintained by selective cell adhesion and the inability of cells to mix or migrate across compartment boundaries, known as compartment boundary.

Overview[edit | edit source]

In the early stages of embryonic development, the embryo is divided into a series of compartments. Each compartment contains a group of cells that will develop into a specific part of the organism. These compartments are separated by boundaries, which are formed by specialized cells that prevent the mixing of cells between compartments. This ensures that each compartment develops independently and maintains its unique identity.

Formation of Compartments[edit | edit source]

The formation of compartments is a complex process that involves several steps. First, the embryo undergoes gastrulation, a process in which the single-layered blastula is reorganized into a multi-layered structure called the gastrula. During gastrulation, cells move to new positions and form the three primary germ layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. These germ layers will give rise to all the tissues and organs of the organism.

Next, the cells within each germ layer begin to differentiate, or become specialized. This differentiation is guided by morphogens, molecules that provide positional information to the cells. Morphogens are produced by organizer cells and form a concentration gradient across the embryo. Cells respond to the concentration of morphogens in their environment by activating specific gene expression patterns, which in turn determine their fate.

Finally, the boundaries between compartments are established. These boundaries are formed by boundary cells, which express different adhesion molecules than the cells within the compartments. These adhesion molecules prevent the mixing of cells across the boundary, ensuring that each compartment maintains its unique identity.

Role in Development[edit | edit source]

Compartments play a crucial role in the development of an organism. They provide a framework for the organization of the body plan and ensure that each part of the organism develops in the correct place and with the correct identity. Compartments also play a role in the regulation of growth and patterning. For example, the Drosophila wing disc is divided into anterior and posterior compartments, and the boundary between these compartments is a major source of signals that regulate wing growth and patterning.