Question 1

Which structure is the first to form during the development of the urogenital tract from the intermediate mesoderm?

Accepted Answer

Pronephros

Question 2

During kidney development, what is the main role of reciprocal induction between the metanephrogenic mesenchyme and the ureteric bud?

Accepted Answer

To promote branching and further differentiation of both tissues

Question 3

The lateral plate mesoderm splits into two layers. Which combination correctly matches each layer with its associated structure?

Accepted Answer

Somatic mesoderm with ectoderm; splanchnic mesoderm with endoderm

Question 4

Which process is responsible for the de novo formation of blood vessels from mesenchymal cells in the embryo?

Accepted Answer

Vasculogenesis

Question 5

A mutation prevents the fusion of the heart primordia during embryonic development. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Development of two separate hearts

Question 6

Which signaling molecules are secreted by the anterior endoderm to allow the formation of cardiac precursor cells?

Accepted Answer

Wnt inhibitors (Cerberus, Dickkopf)

Question 7

Looping of the embryonic heart is essential for establishing which anatomical polarity in the adult heart?

Accepted Answer

Left-right polarity

Question 8

Which embryonic germ layer gives rise to the linings of both the digestive and respiratory tubes?

Accepted Answer

Endoderm

Question 9

The nerve plexus within the gut is derived from which embryonic tissue?

Accepted Answer

Neural crest (ectoderm)

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of surfactant in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Reducing surface tension to facilitate alveolar expansion

Question 11

A newborn is delivered prematurely at 30 weeks gestation and develops respiratory distress. Which developmental process is most likely incomplete?

Accepted Answer

Production of surfactant by the lungs

Question 12

Which embryonic structure induces the formation of the heart field during vertebrate development?

Accepted Answer

Anterior endoderm

Question 13

During gut development, which two processes are responsible for regional specification of gut tissue?

Accepted Answer

Anterior-posterior gradient of retinoic acid and inductive dialogue between endoderm and mesoderm

Question 14

Which of the following is a direct derivative of the third pharyngeal pouch in mammals?

Accepted Answer

Thymus and one pair of parathyroid glands

Question 15

The formation of the septum between the left and right sides of the heart is essential for which physiological function in postnatal life?

Accepted Answer

Separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood

Question 16

Which process describes the differentiation of blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells?

Accepted Answer

Hematopoiesis

Question 17

A researcher blocks Fgf1 and Fgf2 signaling in the developing embryo. Which organ's development is most likely to be affected due to failure of liver-specific gene expression?

Accepted Answer

Liver

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the lungs are derivatives of the digestive tube?

Accepted Answer

They arise as an outgrowth from the pharynx during embryogenesis

Question 19

Which event marks the transition from prenatal to postnatal circulation in humans?

Accepted Answer

Closure of the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale

Question 20

A mutation in the Hox genes during limb development would most likely result in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal patterning of limb segments (stylopod, zeugopod, autopod)

Lec 10 Dev Bio

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