Compaction

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-002291",
  "term": "Compaction",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The process in early mammalian embryonic development where the loosely arranged blastomeres flatten against each other to form a compact ball of cells. This event, occurring at the 8- to 16-cell stage, involves an increase in intercellular adhesion mediated by cell-surface molecules like E-cadherin. Following compaction, the embryo forms a morula, which is the precursor to the blastocyst.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "blastomere",
    "embryology",
    "labor",
    "morula"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2016, 88, 713. 'Glossary of terms used in developmental and reproductive toxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)' on page 738 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-1202)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/compaction/"
}