Morphogen gradients

Morphogen gradients are concentration variations of signaling molecules in a developing organism that help determine the fate of cells. During development, these molecules diffuse from a source and create a gradient, with higher concentrations near the source and lower concentrations further away. Cells respond differently depending on their position within this gradient, guiding their growth and differentiation into specific types, such as muscle or nerve cells. This process is crucial for proper tissue and organ formation, ensuring that structures develop in the correct place and at the right time.