Definition

A type of chemical found in developing tissues that helps control how cells move and organize themselves during the process of forming structures in an organism.

Example

The morphogen played a crucial role in guiding the development of the embryo.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a morphogen?

Yeah, I think it has something to do with how cells organize during development.

Exactly! It helps guide the cells by creating concentration gradients.

That's really fascinating; biology has so many interesting concepts.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Morphogen → It is formed from "morpho-" (from Greek "morphē", meaning form or shape) and "-gen" (from Greek "genes", meaning born of or produced by). The word "morphogen" refers to a substance that causes the formation of a particular structure or shape in an organism.

Memory Tip

Think of 'morpho-' meaning 'form' and '-gen' meaning 'produced by' — a morphogen is something that produces a specific form.

Visually Confused Words