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Ch. 47 - Animal Development
Campbell - Campbell Biology 12th Edition
Urry12th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9785794169850Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 47, Problem 3

The archenteron develops into
a. The mesoderm.
b. The endoderm.
c. The placenta.
d. The lumen of the digestive tract.

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1
Understand the term 'archenteron': The archenteron is an embryonic structure that forms during the early stages of development in animals. It is the primitive gut that forms during gastrulation in the developing embryo.
Identify the process of gastrulation: Gastrulation is a phase early in the embryonic development during which the single-layered blastula is reorganized into a multilayered structure known as the gastrula. This process establishes the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.
Determine the fate of the archenteron: The archenteron is the precursor to the gut. As the embryo develops, the archenteron will eventually become the lumen of the digestive tract.
Differentiate between the germ layers: The endoderm is the innermost layer that lines the archenteron and will give rise to the lining of the digestive and respiratory systems. The mesoderm forms structures such as muscles and the circulatory system, while the ectoderm forms the skin and nervous system.
Conclude the role of the archenteron: Based on the understanding of embryonic development, the archenteron specifically develops into the lumen of the digestive tract, which is option d.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Archenteron

The archenteron is an embryonic structure that forms during the early stages of development in animals. It is the primitive gut that develops during gastrulation and eventually becomes the lumen of the digestive tract. Understanding the role of the archenteron is crucial for comprehending how the digestive system forms in the embryo.
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Gastrulation

Gastrulation is a phase early in the embryonic development of most animals, during which the single-layered blastula is reorganized into a multilayered structure known as the gastrula. This process establishes the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, which are essential for forming various tissues and organs in the body.
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Endoderm

The endoderm is one of the three primary germ layers formed during gastrulation. It is the innermost layer and gives rise to the lining of the digestive and respiratory systems, including structures such as the stomach, intestines, and lungs. Understanding the endoderm's role is key to knowing how internal organs develop from embryonic layers.
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