TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. AIM OF THE PROJECT
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
4. STRUCTTURE OF CHICK EMBRYO
5. CLEAVAGE IN CHICK EMBRYO
6. STAGES OF CHICK EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT
7. OBSERVATIONS
8. CONCLUSION
9. REFERENCES
1. INTRODUCTION
The study of chick embryo development in a laboratory setting provides valuable insights into
vertebrate embryogenesis. Chick embryos are widely used in developmental biology due to
their accessibility, rapid growth, and similarity to mammalian embryonic development. This
project explores the step-by-step progression of a fertilized egg into a fully developed chick,
highlighting key morphological changes and the influence of environmental factors.
Understanding these processes helps scientists investigate cell differentiation, organ formation,
and the effects of external stimuli on embryonic development.
2. AIM OF THE PROJECT
• To understand the sequential stages of chick embryonic development.
• To observe structural and physiological changes during embryogenesis.
• To compare chick development with other vertebrates.
• To analyze the impact of external factors such as temperature and humidity on embryo
development.
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials:
• Fertile chicken eggs
• Incubator (37.5°C with 60% humidity)
• Candling lamp
• Dissection tools (scalpel, forceps, Petri dishes)
• Microscope
• Staining reagents (optional)
• Thermometer and hygrometer for monitoring conditions
Methods:
1. Incubation: Eggs are placed in an incubator at optimal temperature and humidity.
2. Candling: Periodic candling is performed to observe embryonic development.
3. Dissection: Embryos are extracted at different stages for microscopic analysis.
4. Documentation: Observations are recorded, and images are taken.
5. Data Collection: A detailed log of growth patterns is maintained for comparison.
4. STRUCTURE OF THE CHICK EMBRYO
The chick embryo develops within the egg, supported by membranes and yolk. Its structural
components include:
1. Blastodisc: A disc-shaped region on the yolk where cleavage occurs.
2. Epiblast and Hypoblast: Two layers that contribute to embryonic and extra-
embryonic tissues.
3. Primitive Streak: A structure that marks the beginning of gastrulation.
4. Extraembryonic Membranes: Including the amnion, chorion, yolk sac, and
allantois, essential for protection, nutrition, and waste removal.
5. CLEAVAGE IN CHICK EMBRYO
Cleavage in the chick embryo is meroblastic and discoidal due to the large amount of yolk.
Key aspects include:
1. Meroblastic Cleavage: Incomplete division of the egg due to the yolk’s presence.
2. Discoidal Cleavage: Cleavage is restricted to the blastodisc, forming the blastoderm.
3. Formation of Subgerminal Cavity: A space formed beneath the blastoderm, crucial for
further development.
4. Epiboly and Migration: Cells move and spread, leading to the formation of the primary
layers of the embryo.
6. STAGES OF CHICK EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT
A. Fertilization and Egg Formation
Fertilization occurs in the oviduct of the hen, forming a zygote. The egg is laid within 24 hours,
containing all the nutrients required for embryonic development.
B. Incubation and Early Development
• 0-24 hours: Formation of the primitive streak, which marks the beginning of
gastrulation.
• 24-48 hours: Development of the neural plate, somites, and early circulatory system.
C. Formation of Germ Layers
The chick embryo develops three primary germ
layers that differentiate into various organ systems:
• Ectoderm: Forms skin, nervous system,
feathers, and eyes.
• Mesoderm: Forms muscles, bones,
circulatory system, kidneys, and
reproductive organs.
• Endoderm: Forms the digestive tract, liver,
pancreas, and respiratory system.
D. Organogenesis
• Day 3-5: The heartbeat begins, blood vessels become visible, and limb buds appear.
• Day 6-10: Rapid organ development; feather germ formation starts.
• Day 11-18: Completion of skeletal formation, beak hardens, and chick starts
positioning for hatching.
E. Hatching
• Day 19-21: The chick positions itself for hatching, absorbs the remaining yolk, and
develops an air chamber within the egg.
• Day 21: The chick hatches by breaking the eggshell using its egg tooth, completing its
embryonic development.
5. OBSERVATIONS
• Embryonic development follows a strict timeline under optimal conditions.
• Temperature and humidity significantly influence growth and survival rates.
• Major organ systems form within the first 10 days, with rapid differentiation occurring
thereafter.
• The heartbeat can be observed around day 3, marking the start of circulatory function.
• Any fluctuations in incubation temperature can lead to developmental abnormalities.
6. CONCLUSION
Chick embryo development is a highly organized and sequential process that provides valuable
insights into vertebrate growth patterns. The study of chick embryos helps researchers
understand genetic expression, morphogenesis, and the effects of environmental factors on
embryonic health. Observations from chick development have also contributed to
advancements in reproductive biology, genetics, and evolutionary studies.
7. REFERENCES
• Gilbert, S. F. (2014). Developmental Biology. Sinauer Associates.
• Patten, B. M. (1971). Early Embryology of the Chick. McGraw-Hill.
• Hamburger, V., & Hamilton, H. L. (1951). A Series of Normal Stages in the
Development of the Chick Embryo. Journal of Morphology.
