Critical Timing Windows, When the Door Closes
Take the reading one piece at a time. For each piece: read it once, underline the sentence that says what happens, then look up any word in the list. Tap a word to see its definition.
Piece 1 of 4
Two embryos each have a palate shelf that is a little slow to elevate.
Piece 2 of 4
Embryo X: the shelf catches up and reaches horizontal by week 9, while the fusion window is still open. The shelves meet and fuse. Result: closed palate.
Piece 3 of 4
Embryo Y: the shelf does not reach horizontal until week 13, after the window has closed. The fusion machinery has already shut off, so the shelves never get the signal to join. Result: cleft palate, permanently.
Piece 4 of 4
Same delay. Different outcome. The only difference was whether the shelf arrived before or after the door closed (DATA_TABLES.md Table a; PMID:26589921).
Reading the Research
- Skim the title and abstract first to get the gist.
- Circle the one sentence that states the main claim.
- Box the evidence the authors give for that claim.
- Mark one sentence that confuses you, and move on.
Now put it together: In one or two sentences, say what this whole reading is telling you about Mateo. Then go back to the lesson and fill in the guided notes.