A dynamical process involving growth and differentiation through which form and pattern are generated in biological systems. More specifically, it describes the process of cellular differentiation, distribution and growth that takes place during the embryonic development of an organism, which gives rise to tissues, organs and anatomy. The term morphogenesis is also used to describe the development of unicellular life forms that do not have an embryonic stage in their life cycle, or to refer to the evolution of a body structure within a taxonomic group.
See Cadherins, Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), Development, Developmental biology, Differentiation (general), Dysmorphology, Experimental embryology, Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), Growth, Growth factors, Homeodomain proteins and homeobox genes, Hypomorphic nervous system, Invagination, Maturational gradients, Metamorphosis (or indirect development), Microtubules, Morphological fields, Mutant, Pattern formation