Abstract

TAMAYOORREGO, LUKAS. Ontogeny and Physiognomy of the Epigenetic Landscape: A General Model to Explain Developmental Systems. Acta biol.Colomb. [online]. 2013, vol.18, n.1, pp.03-18. ISSN 0120-548X.

The epigenetic landscape is a graphic metaphor proposed by Conrad H. Waddington to explain the development of organisms and their parts. It is depicted as a wavy surface with summits and descending valleys, representing the paths followed by cells along their differentiation process, as part of organismal development. Conrad H. Waddington, regarded as the father of epigenetics, stands out for his theoretical contributions, that include the notions of genetic assimilation, canalization of development and epigenotype. These ideas were inspired by experimental works in developmental biology, that lead to the discovery of the organizer in bird embryos, as well as environmentallyinduced phenocopies in Drosophila. In the current essay, I present an interpretation of the epigenetic landscape and related concepts that highlight the heuristic power of this model and its importance for contemporary biology. This work is a tribute to the life of C. H. Waddington, whose work is still of great significance.

Keywords : canalization of development; cell differentiation; epigenetic landscape; epigenotype; genetic assimilation; Waddington.

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