ANSC 5920

Mechanisms of Animal Growth and Development

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2022-2023.

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. Lecutres 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: BIOAP 1100 or equivalent introductory physiology courses.

Comments Offered in odd-numbered years only.

• Students will be able to 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.
• Students will be able to be familiar with the major developmental events leading to the formation of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.
• Students will be able to understand the role of major transcription factors in control of differentiation and growth of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.
• Students will be able to 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).
• Students will be able to 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.
• Students will be able to evaluate the scientific literature in one area of high interest to biology of growth and articulate deeper knowledge in this area through a poster presentation.

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