morphogenetic gradients

Morphogenetic gradients are patterns of signaling molecules that spread across developing tissues, guiding cells to specialize and form specific structures. These gradients create a variation in concentration, providing cells with spatial information about their position. As cells detect and respond to different levels of these signals, they differentiate into specific cell types and organize into tissues and organs. Essentially, morphogenetic gradients are like a natural map, helping cells know where they are in the body and what they should become during growth and development.