ANSC 5920

Mechanisms of Animal Growth and Development

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

A course on the basic biology of animal growth and development. The course relies on data obtained from a variety of species to describe whole animal growth patterns through life and the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning the formation of key tissues. Lectures cover (1) patterns of whole-animal growth during fetal and postnatal life; (2) molecular and cellular basis of formation and development of skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and bone; (3) regulation of growth and development by hormones and growth factors.

When Offered Spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: introductory physiology courses.

Comments Offered in odd-numbered years only.

• Describe animal growth from embryonic life to maturity. Contrast the growth of individual tissues over time. Use this information to explain changes in body composition throughout life.
• Be familiar with the major developmental events leading to the formation of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.
• Understand the role of major transcription factors in control of differentiation and growth of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.
• Name the major components of the growth hormone (GH) -insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and leptin systems. Understand the role of each system in coordinating specific aspects of growth (e.g., linear growth for the GH-IGF system; energy partition and lipid deposition for the leptin system).
• Explain how events occurring during fetal life can exert long lasting effects after birth. Trace these long-lasting effects to specific mechanisms taking place during fetal or early postnatal life.
• Evaluate the scientific literature in one area of high interest to biology of growth and articulate deeper knowledge in this area through a research proposal.

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