Pattern Formation

We have all seen patterns in nature: from zebra stripes to spiraling flower petals to ordered rows of microscopic appendages on single celled pond organisms. But how are these patterns generated, what are they good for, and are patterns in different species related? This upper level course in cell and developmental biology will explore how patterns emerge in cells and organisms and through evolution, touching on topics in cell polarity and adhesion, cell differentiation, cell-cell signaling, morphogenesis, and growth control.