Studying Hemichordata WBR Using Ptychodera flava.

Abstract

Hemichordates are benthic marine invertebrates closely related to chordates. Several species, including Ptychodera flava in the phylum Hemichordates, can undergo whole body regeneration from a small fragment. P. flava is widely distributed in the warm Indo-Pacific region and is easily collected in the lower tidal zone of a shallow beach with a coral reef. Here, we describe the methods for animal collection and preparation of regenerating tissues. The prepared tissues can be used for various molecular and/or histological experiments. We also demonstrate how to examine gene expression patterns in the tissues using whole mount in situ hybridization.