Abstract
Mutant genes have been used in the past as research ‘tools’ for better understanding selected biological phenomena and for solving certain biological problems. It is particularly exciting when these mutations affect specific major organs of vertebrates. One such naturally-occurring recessive mutant gene, designated c for ‘cardiac lethal’ was discovered recently in the Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum. Homozygous embryos (c/c) exhibit a lack of heart Function even though initial development of the organ seems normal. Cardiac lethal mutant (c/c) embryos are obtained by mating heterozygous adults (+/c x +/c) and can first be distinguished from their normal (+/+ or +/c) siblings at stage 35 (one week postfertilization) when the normals develop vigorously contracting hearts. Mutant embryos at this stage appear grossly normal, but their hearts fail to contract and cardiovascular circulation is not established. In spite of their nonfunctional hearts, mutant embryos survive through stage 41 (about 20 days beyond the heart-beat stage) and during this time display normal swimming movements indicating that skeletal muscle is not affected by the mutation.
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Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America
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