Amphiblastula

/æmfɪˈblæstjʊlə/ noun

Definition

An embryonic stage in certain organisms where the blastula has relatively equal-sized cells throughout due to amphiblastic cleavage.

Etymology

Combines 'amphiblastic' with '-ula' (diminutive Latin suffix), literally meaning 'a small amphiblastic form,' referring to early embryonic structures.

Kelly Says

The amphiblastula stage reveals a stunning truth—sea urchins and starfish develop from nearly identical embryonic patterns, yet become wildly different creatures, showing that development is less about the blueprint and more about when genes turn on and off.

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