[Campbell Biology P.1103] Which of the following correctly describes the early stages of neur... | Practice Question

Which of the following correctly describes the early stages of neurulation and the structures involved, according to Figure 47.14 and the accompanying text?

  • A: The notochord develops from the dorsal mesoderm and induces the dorsal ectoderm to form the neural plate.
  • B: The neural plate forms first, then induces the mesoderm to develop into the notochord.
  • C: Neural folds pinch off to form the neural crest cells, which then develop into the neural tube.
  • D: Somites are formed from the ectoderm and give rise to the central nervous system.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'Neurulation begins as cells from the dorsal mesoderm form the notochord... Signaling molecules secreted by these mesodermal cells and other tissues cause the ectoderm above the notochord to become the neural plate.' This directly supports option A.