Morphogenesis is the developmental cascade of pattern formation and body plan establishment, including the symmetry of most bilateral structures and the asymmetry of some unilateral anatomical sites, culminating in the adult form. Morphogenetic proteins initiate morphogenesis. The first morpho-gens in mammals were identified in adult bone tissue. Bone has considerable potential for regeneration and repair. The biochemical basis for this is the family of cytokines,.morphogens called bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). BMPs initiate, promote, and maintain cartilage and bone morphogenesis, differentiation, and regeneration. This prototype paradigm demonstrates that a single cytokine signal can function in prenatal development, postnatal growth, and regeneration of bone in the adult. BMPs have actions beyond bone in eye. heart, kidney, skin, tooth, and other tissue development. The pleiotropic actions are mediated by discrete thresholds of concentration of BMPs. The accrued knowledge may be used in clinical applications of BMPs in dentistry, orthopedic surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.