Development of a photoreceptor, a sensory cell in the eye that reacts to the presence of light. They usually contain a pigment that undergoes a chemical change when light is absorbed, thus stimulating a nerve.

Any process preventing the degeneration of the photoreceptor, a specialized cell type that is sensitive to light.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of cell proliferation.

The production of new individuals that contain some portion of genetic material inherited from one or more parent organisms.

The characteristic movement of an immature neuron from germinal zones to specific positions where they will reside as they mature.

Separation of axons away from a bundle of axons known as a fascicle.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a heat stimulus, a temperature stimulus above the optimal temperature for that organism.

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of endopeptidase activity, the endohydrolysis of peptide bonds within proteins.

The controlled self-propelled movement of a cell from one site to a destination guided by molecular cues. Cell migration is a central process in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms.

A process that is carried out at the cellular level which results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of an extracellular matrix.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of locomotion of a cell or organism.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a misfolded protein stimulus.

A process that is carried out at the cellular level which results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of the basement membrane.

The series of events required for an organism to receive an auditory stimulus, convert it to a molecular signal, and recognize and characterize the signal. Sonic stimuli are detected in the form of vibrations and are processed to form a sound.

The series of events required for an organism to receive an auditory stimulus, convert it to a molecular signal, and recognize and characterize the signal. Sonic stimuli are detected in the form of vibrations and are processed to form a sound.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of a hair cell.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of a hair cell.

The directed movement of a protein to a specific location.

Any process preventing the degeneration of the photoreceptor, a specialized cell type that is sensitive to light.

The process in which the identity of an animal organ is maintained. Identity is considered to be the aggregate of characteristics by which a structure is recognized.

The process in which the identity of an animal organ is maintained. Identity is considered to be the aggregate of characteristics by which a structure is recognized.

The series of events required for an organism to receive a sensory light stimulus, convert it to a molecular signal, and recognize and characterize the signal. This is a neurological process.

The series of events required for an organism to receive a sensory light stimulus, convert it to a molecular signal, and recognize and characterize the signal. This is a neurological process.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the retina over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The retina is the innermost layer or coating at the back of the eyeball, which is sensitive to light and in which the optic nerve terminates.

The process in which relatively unspecialized cells, acquire specialized structural and/or functional features of inner ear receptor cells. Inner ear receptor cells are mechanorecptors found in the inner ear responsible for transducing signals involved in balance and sensory perception of sound.

The process in which relatively unspecialized cells, acquire specialized structural and/or functional features of inner ear receptor cells. Inner ear receptor cells are mechanorecptors found in the inner ear responsible for transducing signals involved in balance and sensory perception of sound.

An endocytosis process in which cell surface receptors ensure specificity of transport. A specific receptor on the cell surface binds tightly to the extracellular macromolecule (the ligand) that it recognizes; the plasma-membrane region containing the receptor-ligand complex then undergoes endocytosis, forming a transport vesicle containing the receptor-ligand complex and excluding most other plasma-membrane proteins. Receptor-mediated endocytosis generally occurs via clathrin-coated pits and vesicles.

The attachment of one cell to another cell via adhesion molecules, where both cells are part of the same organism.

A process that results in the breakdown of the extracellular matrix.

Blood vessel formation when new vessels emerge from the proliferation of pre-existing blood vessels.

The process in which the branching structure of the ureteric bud is generated and organized. The ureteric bud is an epithelial tube that grows out from the metanephric duct. The bud elongates and branches to give rise to the ureter and kidney collecting tubules.

The morphogenetic process in which the anatomical structures of a polarized epithelium are generated and organized. A polarized epithelium is an epithelium where the epithelial sheet is oriented with respect to the planar axis.

The characteristic movement of cells from the dorsal ridge of the neural tube to a variety of locations in a vertebrate embryo.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the hair follicle over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A hair follicle is a tube-like opening in the epidermis where the hair shaft develops and into which the sebaceous glands open.

A process that is carried out at the cellular level which results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of cytoskeletal structures.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of extracellular ligand to an integrin on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of extracellular ligand to an integrin on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the muscle over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The muscle is an organ consisting of a tissue made up of various elongated cells that are specialized to contract and thus to produce movement and mechanical work.

The process in which a cell in an organism interprets its surroundings.

Any process in which a protein is transported to, or maintained in, a specific location.

The multiplication or reproduction of cells, resulting in the expansion of a cell population.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the epidermis over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The epidermis is the outer epithelial layer of an animal, it may be a single layer that produces an extracellular material (e.g. the cuticle of arthropods) or a complex stratified squamous epithelium, as in the case of many vertebrate species.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of an embryo from its formation until the end of its embryonic life stage. The end of the embryonic stage is organism-specific. For example, for mammals, the process would begin with zygote formation and end with birth. For insects, the process would begin at zygote formation and end with larval hatching. For plant zygotic embryos, this would be from zygote formation to the end of seed dormancy. For plant vegetative embryos, this would be from the initial determination of the cell or group of cells to form an embryo until the point when the embryo becomes independent of the parent plant.

Morphogenesis of an animal organ. An organ is defined as a tissue or set of tissues that work together to perform a specific function or functions. Morphogenesis is the process in which anatomical structures are generated and organized. Organs are commonly observed as visibly distinct structures, but may also exist as loosely associated clusters of cells that work together to perform a specific function or functions.

The process in which the anatomical structures of embryonic epithelia are generated and organized.

The controlled self-propelled movement of a cell from one site to a destination guided by molecular cues. Cell migration is a central process in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms.

The controlled self-propelled movement of a cell from one site to a destination guided by molecular cues. Cell migration is a central process in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms.

The process in which relatively unspecialized cells, e.g. embryonic or regenerative cells, acquire specialized structural and/or functional features that characterize the cells, tissues, or organs of the mature organism or some other relatively stable phase of the organism's life history. Differentiation includes the processes involved in commitment of a cell to a specific fate and its subsequent development to the mature state.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the lung over time, from its formation to the mature structure. In all air-breathing vertebrates the lungs are developed from the ventral wall of the oesophagus as a pouch which divides into two sacs. In amphibians and many reptiles the lungs retain very nearly this primitive sac-like character, but in the higher forms the connection with the esophagus becomes elongated into the windpipe and the inner walls of the sacs become more and more divided, until, in the mammals, the air spaces become minutely divided into tubes ending in small air cells, in the walls of which the blood circulates in a fine network of capillaries. In mammals the lungs are more or less divided into lobes, and each lung occupies a separate cavity in the thorax.

Assembly of hemidesmosomes, integrin-containing protein complexes that bind to laminin in the basal lamina. Hemidesmosomes form the contact between the basal surface of epithelial cells and the underlying basal lamina.

Assembly of hemidesmosomes, integrin-containing protein complexes that bind to laminin in the basal lamina. Hemidesmosomes form the contact between the basal surface of epithelial cells and the underlying basal lamina.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a fin over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The process in which the anatomical structures of a fin are generated and organized.

The morphogenetic process that results in flattening of a cell as a consequence of its adhesion to a substrate.

The morphogenetic process that results in flattening of a cell as a consequence of its adhesion to a substrate.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the pectoral fin are generated and organized. Pectoral fins are bilaterally paired fins mounted laterally and located behind the gill covers of fish. These fins are used for lateral mobility and propulsion.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the medial fin are generated and organized. A medial fin is an unpaired fin of fish, usually located dorsomedially or ventromedially and primarily used for stability while swimming.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of an endoderm cell, a cell of the inner of the three germ layers of the embryo.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a dentin-containing tooth over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A dentin-containing tooth is a hard, bony organ borne on the jaw or other bone of a vertebrate, and is composed mainly of dentin, a dense calcified substance, covered by a layer of enamel.

The process in which a mesodermal, bone marrow or neural crest cell acquires specialized features of an endothelial cell, a thin flattened cell. A layer of such cells lines the inside surfaces of body cavities, blood vessels, and lymph vessels, making up the endothelium.

The aggregation and bonding together of a set of components to form a focal adhesion, a complex of intracellular signaling and structural proteins that provides a structural link between the internal actin cytoskeleton and the ECM, and also function as a locus of signal transduction activity.

The process in which the anatomical structures of branches in an epithelial tube are generated and organized. A tube is a long hollow cylinder.

The assembly of a cilium, a specialized eukaryotic organelle that consists of a filiform extrusion of the cell surface. Each cilium is bounded by an extrusion of the cytoplasmic membrane, and contains a regular longitudinal array of microtubules, anchored basally in a centriole.

The process in which the branching structure of the salivary gland is generated and organized.

The directed movement of a protein to a specific location in the plasma membrane.

A thin layer of dense material found in various animal tissues interposed between the cells and the adjacent connective tissue. It consists of the basal lamina plus an associated layer of reticulin fibers.

The space external to the outermost structure of a cell. For cells without external protective or external encapsulating structures this refers to space outside of the plasma membrane. This term covers the host cell environment outside an intracellular parasite.

A thin layer of dense material found in various animal tissues interposed between the cells and the adjacent connective tissue. It consists of the basal lamina plus an associated layer of reticulin fibers.

The inner segment of a vertebrate photoreceptor containing mitochondria, ribosomes and membranes where opsin molecules are assembled and passed to be part of the outer segment discs.

A stereocilia coupling link that is composed of a fine filament present in developing stereocilia that couples the bases of individual stereocilia to one another. They are not present in mature stereocilia.

A stereocilia coupling link that is composed of a fine filament present in developing stereocilia that couples the bases of individual stereocilia to one another. They are not present in mature stereocilia.

A complex of proteins that connect growing stereocilia in developing cochlear hair cells, composed of Vlgr1, usherin, vezatin, and whirlin.

A complex of proteins that connect growing stereocilia in developing cochlear hair cells, composed of Vlgr1, usherin, vezatin, and whirlin.

All of the contents of a cell excluding the plasma membrane and nucleus, but including other subcellular structures.

All of the contents of a cell excluding the plasma membrane and nucleus, but including other subcellular structures.

The region of the plasma membrane located at the apical end of the cell.

The region of the plasma membrane located at the apical end of the cell.

The portion of the photoreceptor cell cilium linking the photoreceptor inner and outer segments. It's considered to be equivalent to the ciliary transition zone.

An actin-based protrusion from the apical surface of auditory and vestibular hair cells and of neuromast cells. These protrusions are supported by a bundle of cross-linked actin filaments (an actin cable), oriented such that the plus (barbed) ends are at the tip of the protrusion, capped by a tip complex which bridges to the plasma. Bundles of stereocilia act as mechanosensory organelles.

A bundle of cross-linked stereocilia, arranged around a kinocilium on the apical surface of a sensory hair cell (e.g. a neuromast, auditory or vestibular hair cell). Stereocilium bundles act as mechanosensory organelles by responding to fluid motion or fluid pressure changes.

A bundle of cross-linked stereocilia, arranged around a kinocilium on the apical surface of a sensory hair cell (e.g. a neuromast, auditory or vestibular hair cell). Stereocilium bundles act as mechanosensory organelles by responding to fluid motion or fluid pressure changes.

A membrane-tethered, short cylindrical array of microtubules and associated proteins found at the base of a eukaryotic cilium (also called flagellum) that is similar in structure to a centriole and derives from it. The cilium basal body is the site of assembly and remodelling of the cilium and serves as a nucleation site for axoneme growth. As well as anchoring the cilium, it is thought to provide a selective gateway regulating the entry of ciliary proteins and vesicles by intraflagellar transport.

The junction between a nerve fiber of one neuron and another neuron, muscle fiber or glial cell. As the nerve fiber approaches the synapse it enlarges into a specialized structure, the presynaptic nerve ending, which contains mitochondria and synaptic vesicles. At the tip of the nerve ending is the presynaptic membrane; facing it, and separated from it by a minute cleft (the synaptic cleft) is a specialized area of membrane on the receiving cell, known as the postsynaptic membrane. In response to the arrival of nerve impulses, the presynaptic nerve ending secretes molecules of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These diffuse across the cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane.

The portion of the plasma membrane surrounding a stereocilium.

The portion of the plasma membrane surrounding a stereocilium.

A plasma membrane region adjacent to the base of eukaryotic cilia and flagella that is enriched in endocytosis-associated proteins and vesicles and that appears to regulate ciliary membrane homeostasis.

A protein complex composed of four proteins, loss of which results in Usher Syndrome type 2 (USH2 syndrome), a leading genetic cause of combined hearing and vision loss. This complex is conserved in many species; in mice, it is composed of USH2A, GPR98 (aka ADGRV1), WHRN, and PDZD7.

A laminin complex composed of alpha3, beta3 and gamma2 polypeptide chains.

A vesicle that is released into the extracellular region by fusion of the limiting endosomal membrane of a multivesicular body with the plasma membrane. Extracellular exosomes, also simply called exosomes, have a diameter of about 40-100 nm.

A vesicle that is released into the extracellular region by fusion of the limiting endosomal membrane of a multivesicular body with the plasma membrane. Extracellular exosomes, also simply called exosomes, have a diameter of about 40-100 nm.

A layer consisting mainly of proteins (especially collagen) and glycosaminoglycans (mostly as proteoglycans) that forms a sheet underlying or overlying cells such as endothelial and epithelial cells. The proteins are secreted by cells in the vicinity. An example of this component is found in Mus musculus.

A thin layer of dense material found in various animal tissues interposed between the cells and the adjacent connective tissue. It consists of the basal lamina plus an associated layer of reticulin fibers.

A thin sheet of proteoglycans and glycoproteins, especially laminin, secreted by cells as an extracellular matrix.

A thin sheet of proteoglycans and glycoproteins, especially laminin, secreted by cells as an extracellular matrix.

A laminin complex composed of alpha1, beta2 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

That part of a multicellular organism outside the cells proper, usually taken to be outside the plasma membranes, and occupied by fluid.

That part of a multicellular organism outside the cells proper, usually taken to be outside the plasma membranes, and occupied by fluid.

A membrane-bounded organelle of eukaryotic cells in which chromosomes are housed and replicated. In most cells, the nucleus contains all of the cell's chromosomes except the organellar chromosomes, and is the site of RNA synthesis and processing. In some species, or in specialized cell types, RNA metabolism or DNA replication may be absent.

A membrane-bounded organelle of eukaryotic cells in which chromosomes are housed and replicated. In most cells, the nucleus contains all of the cell's chromosomes except the organellar chromosomes, and is the site of RNA synthesis and processing. In some species, or in specialized cell types, RNA metabolism or DNA replication may be absent.

An adherens junction which connects a cell to another cell.

A cell-substrate junction (attachment structure) found in epithelial cells that links intermediate filaments to extracellular matrices via transmembrane complexes. In vertebrates, hemidesmosomes mediate contact between the basal side of epithelial cells and the basal lamina. In C. elegans, hemidesmosomes connect epithelial cells to distinct extracellular matrices on both the apical and basal cell surfaces.

A structure lying external to one or more cells, which provides structural support for cells or tissues.

A structure lying external to one or more cells, which provides structural support for cells or tissues.

The narrow gap that separates the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes, into which neurotransmitter is released.

A laminin complex composed of alpha5, beta1 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha5, beta1 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha5, beta1 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha5, beta1 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha5, beta2 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.