Do we know how the different cells self organize, know where to form folds, parts and depressions and what the boundaries are?
Cells in different locations produce different chemical markers. These markers spread out through the tissue and create a sort of gradient. By observing the gradient, a cell can know where it is (or at least what it's supposed to do). At least that's the explanation as I've understood it.
- the cells communicate and share the plan
- each cell has the plan of the whole body
- the plan is not stored in genes