The Developmental Biology of Reproduction documents the proceedings of the 33rd symposium of the Society for Developmental Biology. Reproductive Biology was selected as the main theme of the symposium. The symposium aimed to draw center attention on basic aspects of reproduction in both plants and animals in the hope of stimulating research that might provide the necessary foundation for effective, practical control of human reproduction. Five areas were selected for emphasis: the formation of eggs and sperm; the activation of the egg to develop into an embryo; the genetic and biochemical events underlying the early development of the embryo; the hormonal controls operating in the reproductive process; and the general control of implantation and growth of the mammalian embryo in the uterus. Thirteen reports were given by distinguished researchers in each of these areas. All biologists interested in a broad understanding of problems of reproduction will find this symposium interesting and important for their own work.

A look into the phenomena of sex and reproduction in all organisms, taking an innovative, unified and comprehensive approach.

This book describes human development including sexual reproduction and stem cell research with the development of model organisms that are accessible to genetic and experimental analysis in readily understandable texts and 315 multi-colored graphics. The introductory account of model organisms selected from the entire animal kingdom presents general principles, which are then outlined in subsequent chapters devoted to, for example, sexual development; genes controlling development and their contemporary molecular-analysis methods; production of clones and transgenic animals; development of the nervous and circulatory systems; regenerative medicine and ageing. Finally the evolution of developmental toolkits and novelties is discussed including the genetic basis of the enlargement of the human forebrain. Separate boxes are devoted to controversial questions such as the benefits and problems of prenatal diagnostics or the construction of ancient body plans.

This book provides new insights into the universality of biological systems in animal reproduction and development by a comparative study of a variety of mechanisms in animals ranging from basal invertebrates to vertebrates, including mammals. Animals accomplish genetic diversity through meiosis and fertilization, and during embryogenesis animals must produce specialized cell types, including germ cells, in accordance with their individual body plan. This series of phenomena is essential to the continuity of life in the animal kingdom, and animals show various reproductive and developmental strategies. This volume, comprising four parts, reviews animal kingdom diversity, including reproductive strategies and germ cell differentiation mechanisms (Part 1), sex determination and differentiation (Part2), the mechanisms of fertilization (Part 3), and body axis formation (Part 4). Readers will find descriptions of the reproduction or development of 180 species, 13 phyla, 35 classes, 74 orders, 117 families, and 151 genera in this book. Of particular interest is the diversity of molecules and mechanisms used to achieve the same biological purpose in different animals. Undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists who want a deeper understanding of animal reproductive and developmental mechanisms will find this book to be of great value.