Skip to main content
Toggle User Menu

HHMI BioInteractive

  • Español
  • Search
  • Log In/Create Account
  • Classroom Resources
  • Planning Tools
  • Professional Development
  • About Us

Differentiation and the Fate of Cells

Topic

  • Cell Biology
  • Differentiation
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Reproduction & Development

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Animations

Level

High School — AP/IBCollege

Duration

00:01:29
Favorited By
13 Users
Share This

Description

This animation describes the formation and fates of the three germ layers in a human embryo.

All cells in the human body originate from a group of embryonic stem cells called the inner cell mass (ICM), which is formed during an early stage of development called the blastocyst. As shown in the animation, the fates of these cells become more restricted and specialized as development progresses. In a later stage of development called the gastrula, the cells differentiate to form three germ layers: the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm. Each layer gives rise to specific tissues with increasingly specialized cells.

This animation is a clip from a 2006 Holiday Lecture Series, Potent Biology: Stem Cells, Cloning, and Regeneration. Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animation at various points to discuss different steps in the developmental process.

Key Terms

blastocyst, cell division, ectoderm, embryonic stem cell, endoderm, gastrulation, germ layer, inner cell mass (ICM), mesoderm

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

Video files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 02.05.06

Materials

Large (MOV) 5 MB
Large (WMV) 5 MB
Small (MOV) 2 MB
Small (WMV) 2 MB
Transcript (PDF) 12 KB

Related Science News

Identical twins aren’t perfect clones, research shows

Explore Related Content

Other Related Resources

Showing of
Image of a planarian with two heads from the activity
Phenomenal Images
Why Two Heads?
Image from the interactive showing germ cell mitosis
Click & Learn
Genetic Mutations and Disease
Image from the activity
Phenomenal Images
Synchronized Division
Image from the video
Animations
Cellular Differentiation Along Concentration Gradients
Image of a two-headed planarian from the video
Scientists at Work
Planarian Regeneration and Stem Cells
Image of cells and blood supply from the video
Animations
VEGF
Image of a salamander limb from the video
Animations
Salamander Limb Regeneration
Image from the video
Animations
Creating Embryonic Stem Cell Lines
Value plot of testosterone levels from the activituy
Data Points
Testosterone Levels in Elite Athletes
Computer illustration of crossing over between chromosomes
Animations
Meiosis

HHMI BioInteractive

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Newsletter Signup
  • HHMI.org
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility