Xenopus Laevis Embryo Experiments

This project is a culmination of a series of Xenopus laevis experiments that explores basic Xenopus laevis development and the results of different perturbations at different times of development. It follows the tracing of staining an embryo to create a fate map for Xenopus. Investigation of disturbances such as UV light exposure on an embryo allows one to determine the developmental effects. It will also explain how drugs can change the actions and properties of an embryo. By dissecting different pieces of the embryo in its early stages and culturing them, their developmental fates can be studied. A better approach to staining is introduced by using antibodies, which recognizes specific antigens and bind to it. Fluorescing these antibodies generate a powerful tool for mapping off specific areas of the embryo. Each of these experiments is based on previous knowledge of the Xenopus embryo’s cell fates and the actions that govern it.