Rough draft.This research track is under review with Dr. Atit's lab. Content and sequence may still change.
Here's an example of what's due today

Where Do the Cells That Build the Face Come From?

Developmental domain · Lesson 3 of 20 · Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS)

Today's goal: Describe the origin of cranial neural crest cells at the edges of the neural folds, explain delamination by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and state why these cells are called multipotent.

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What a finished product looks like

This is a model of the work you should turn in. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your wording should be your own.

Neural crest cell 3-panel comic + fate caption
Completes: A three-panel sketch of one cell from sheet to delamination to free migration, with a named multipotent fate.
  • Panel 1: the cell sits at the crest of the neural fold, boxy and stuck to its neighbors as part of an epithelial sheet.
  • Panel 2: the cell loosens its junctions, changes to a loose crawling shape (EMT), and pulls free from the top of the neural tube (delamination).
  • Panel 3: the cell is free in the embryo, heading toward the face.

Caption: Because this cell is multipotent, it can become bone inside a facial prominence (it could also become cartilage, connective tissue, or dermis).

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How this was built, step by step

The finished product above did not appear all at once. Here is the path from the question to the turned-in work, so you can follow the same steps.

  1. 1Start from today's question: Where in the early are the face-building cells born, and how do they get free to start their journey?
  2. 2Work the Model and the Explore questions to reason it out before writing anything.
  3. 3Pull the specific evidence the product needs from the reading and any database you used.
  4. 4Write it up in the required format: Sketch a 3-panel comic of one cranial : panel 1 sitting in the as part of a sheet, panel 2 undergoing EMT and delaminating, panel 3 free and ready to travel. Under panel 3 write one sentence naming a real fate it can become inside a .
  5. 5Check it against the rubric, then submit.
How this is graded (rubric)
For: Sketch a 3-panel comic of one cranial neural crest cell: panel 1 sitting in the neural fold as part of a sheet, panel 2 undergoing EMT and delaminating, panel 3 free and ready to travel. Under panel 3 write one sentence naming a real fate it can become inside a facial prominence.
CriterionProficientDevelopingBeginning
CompleteEvery required part of the artifact is present and filled in.Most parts are present, but one is missing or left blank.Several parts are missing.
AccurateThe science and data are correct and match the evidence.Mostly correct, with a small factual slip.Key science or data is wrong.
Scientific reasoning (CER)States a claim, backs it with specific evidence, and explains the reasoning.Has a claim and evidence, but the reasoning is thin or missing.Gives an answer with no evidence or reasoning.
Professional communicationClear, organized, and labeled the way a clinician or scientist would write it.Readable but disorganized or missing labels.Hard to follow.
SubmittedTurned in the right way (Schoology for routine work) and confirmed.Turned in, but in the wrong place or unconfirmed.Not turned in.
How the model answer scores against this rubric
  • CompleteProficient: Nothing is left blank: the model fills every part of "Sketch a 3-panel comic of one cranial neural crest cell: panel 1 sitting in the neural fold as part of a sheet, panel 2 undergoing EMT and delaminating, panel 3 free and ready to travel. Under panel 3 write one sentence naming a real fate it can become inside a facial prominence.".
  • AccurateProficient: Every number and claim matches the case evidence.
  • Scientific reasoning (CER)Proficient: It names a claim, cites the specific evidence, and explains the reasoning, not just the answer.
  • Professional communicationProficient: It is organized and labeled like a real chart note.
  • SubmittedProficient: It would be turned in on Schoology and confirmed.
Check yourself

WebXam problem for today's skill

One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.

WebXam-style domain: Human Development and body systems (PBS 072110)Self-check skill: Explaining why neural crest cells must undergo EMT before they can migrate
Cranial neural crest cells form as part of a tightly packed epithelial sheet at the neural folds, yet they must travel far to fill the facial prominences. Why must they undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) first?

Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.