Development and Reproduction in Humans and Animal Model Species - Softcover

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Werner A. Mueller (Müller) was head of the Zoological Institute of the University of Heidelberg, Germany, for 30 years. He is also author of a textbook on Animal and Human Physiology. He and his group did research on stem cells, pattern formation, signalling molecules including neuropeptides and on settlement and metamorphosis of marine organisms. Monika Hassel is leader of the department on Morphology and Evolution of Invertebrates at the University of Marburg, Germany. She and her group use invertebrate model systems (Hydra, Platynereis) to elucidate the role of fibroblast growth factor receptors in the emergence of body plans and the development of boundaries. Maura Grealy is lecturer at the department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the National University in Galway, Ireland. She and her group use the zebrafish as model organism to study the onset of transcription in embryogenesis, heart development and the role of signalling cell adhesion molecules.

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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.