a type of signaling molecule that specifies different cell fates in a concentration dependent manner
Diffusable substance that influences movement and organization of cells during development.
A substance, such as bicoid protein, that provides positional information in the form of a concentration gradient along an embryonic axis. morphogenesis[Gk. morphe, form + genesis, origin] The development of body shape and organization during ontogeny.
A molecule that can induce the acquisition of different cell fates according to the level of morphogen to which a cell is exposed.
A morphogen is a substance governing the pattern of tissue development and, in particular, the positions of the various specialized cell types within a tissue. It spreads from a localized source and forms a concentration gradient across a developing tissue.