Genes may have less impact on embryonic development than previously believed

The chemical reactions that cells use to power themselves provide important signals for one of the earliest and most important steps in embryonic development.

The findings add to evidence that metabolism not only provides energy to cells, but can also influence cell decisions about what cell type they become and how they behave. It also improves our understanding of how the embryo’s environment influences its later health. .

Immediately after a mammalian embryo implants in the body…