Credit: Cincinnati Children's
This image highlights single RNA molecules that scientists counted in single cells in a developing zebrafish embryo. Genes in the embryo’s segmentation clock oscillate, showing high and low expression along the axis of unsegmented tissues. RNA molecules are colored depending on their position in the tissues. The oscillations stop when groups of cells form segments. Cell nuclei are marked by the color gray. Scientists report in Cell Reports their research offer clues into how random gene fluctuations might be tamed during at the earliest stages of when life forms, which could one day help prevent birth defects or cancer.