Process Of Metamorphosis Research Articles

Surface metamorphosis techniques for sustainable polymers: Optimizing material performance and environmental impact

The transition to sustainable polymers is crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of additive manufacturing, particularly in fused deposition modeling (FDM). This study investigates surface metamorphosis techniques—methods to modify polymer surfaces at micro and nanoscale levels to enhance performance and minimize environmental impact. We explore plasma treatment, chemical etching, and laser texturing on biodegradable and recycled polymers, assessing their effects on surface properties, such as adhesion, roughness, and chemical resistance. Our results demonstrate significant enhancements in mechanical properties. For example, PLA’s tensile strength increased from 55.3 MPa (untreated) to 63.8 MPa (plasma treated), and its elongation improved from 4.2% to 5.1%. PHA showed a similar trend, with tensile strength rising from 45.1 MPa to 52.6 MPa, and elongation increasing from 5.6% to 6.4%. rPET and rPP also exhibited improvements, indicating the effectiveness of these surface treatments. Employing a multi-criteria decision-making approach, we assess and prioritize these techniques based on their mechanical enhancements and sustainability profiles. While this study presents hypothetical results, it establishes a comprehensive framework for optimizing surface metamorphosis processes, guiding future experimental research. Our findings suggest that tailored surface modifications can significantly improve the performance and environmental sustainability of polymers in FDM, offering pathways for integrating eco-friendly materials into advanced manufacturing. This work contributes to the development of green manufacturing technologies by highlighting surface metamorphosis as a key strategy for achieving high-performance and sustainable materials.

The Composition and Function of Intestinal Microbiota Were Altered in Farmed Bullfrog Tadpoles (Aquarana catesbeiana) during Metamorphosis

The bullfrog Aquarana catesbeiana is one of the main farmed frog species in China, with a low overall survival of farmed bullfrogs from hatching to harvest since bullfrog tadpoles are fragile during the metamorphosis period. The intestinal bacterial community can play crucial roles in animal development; however, little is known about the alteration of the gut microbial community of A. catesbeiana during metamorphosis. The present study used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to investigate the intestinal bacterial community in A. catesbeiana at four distinct developmental stages. Moreover, we determined the bullfrog’s body morphological parameters and the intestine histology at different developmental stages. The results showed a reduction in the total length and snout–vent length of A. catesbeiana during metamorphosis. The intestinal microbial composition of A. catesbeiana exhibited variation throughout the process of metamorphosis. The terrestrial stage showed shifts in the bacterial composition compared to the aquatic stages, including a reduction in Bacteroidetes and an increase in Firmicutes. Furthermore, the presence of Prevotella, Bifidobacterium, Leucobacter, Corynebacterium, Bulleidia, Dorea, Robinsoniella, and Clostridium in A. catesbeiana metamorphosis appears to be mainly related to the host’s epithelial cells’ height and total body mass. The results indicated that the intestinal microbial composition changed with the bullfrog–tadpole metamorphosis. The genera of Prevotella, Bifidobacterium, Leucobacter, Corynebacterium, Bulleidia, Dorea, Robinsoniella, and Clostridium might be potential probiotics.

QTL analysis to identify genes involved in the trade-off between silk protein synthesis and larva-pupa transition in silkworms

BackgroundInsect-based food and feed are increasingly attracting attention. As a domesticated insect, the silkworm (Bombyx mori) has a highly nutritious pupa that can be easily raised in large quantities through large-scale farming, making it a highly promising source of food. The ratio of pupa to cocoon (RPC) refers to the proportion of the weight of the cocoon that is attributed to pupae, and is of significant value for edible utilization, as a higher RPC means a higher ratio of conversion of mulberry leaves to pupa. In silkworm production, there is a trade-off between RPC and cocoon shell ratiao(CSR), which refers the ratio of silk protein to the entire cocoon, during metamorphosis process. Understanding the genetic basis of this balance is crucial for breeding edible strains with a high RPC and further advancing its use as feed.ResultsUsing QTL-seq, we identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for the balance between RPC and CSR that is located on chromosome 11 and covers a 9,773,115-bp region. This locus is an artificial selection hot spot that contains ten non-overlapping genomic regions under selection that were involved in the domestication and genetic breeding processes. These regions include 17 genes, nine of which are highly expressed in the silk gland, which is a vital component in the trade-off between RPC and CSR. These genes are annotate with function related with epigenetic modifications and the regulation of DNA replication et al. We identified one and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the exons of teh KWMTBOMO06541 and KWMTBOMO06485 genes that result in amino acid changes in the protein domains. These SNPs have been strongly selected for during the domestication process. The KWMTBOMO06485 gene encodes the Bombyx mori (Bm) tRNA methyltransferase (BmDnmt2) and its knockout results in a significant change in the trade-off between CSR and RPC in both sexes.ConclusionsTaken together, our results contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis of RPC and CSR. The identified QTL and genes that affect RPC can be used for marker-assisted and genomic selection of silkworm strains with a high RPC. This will further enhance the production efficiency of silkworms and of closely-related insects for edible and feed purposes.

RNA interference-mediated silencing of ctl13 inhibits innate immunity and development in stored pest Tribolium castaneum

C-type lectins (CTLs) play a pivotal role in the regulation of insect immunity and growth, making them potential molecular targets for RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated pest control. Although multiple CTLs have been identified in the genomes of various insects, their specific functions and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, a novel CTL, Tcctl13 with a single CRD, was identified in Tribolium castaneum. Tcctl13 is expressed in diverse immune-related tissues and developmental stages, with a notable increase in its expression upon exposure to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and peptidoglycan (PGN). Molecular docking and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses revealed that TcCTL13 possesses the ability interacted with LPS and PGN. The binding and agglutinating activities of recombinant TcCTL13 (rTcCTL13) were demonstrated against both gram-negative and positive bacteria. After using RNAi to silence Tcctl13, the expression of the eight antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes was significantly reduced. In addition, knocking down Tcctl13 during the early larval or pupal stage hindered, the normal metamorphosis process in T. castaneum, ultimately leading to the demise of all beetles. Further research showed that Tcctl13 and nine AMPs were significantly downregulation after 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) injection. Instead, the up-regulation of Tcctl13 and six AMPs was observed following interference with the 20E receptor (ecdysone receptor, EcR), indicating that the function of Tcctl13 is regulated by 20E in T. castaneum. Collectively, these findings suggest that Tcctl13 plays a role in the regulation of innate immunity and development in T. castaneum, offering a promising molecular target for managing insect pests using RNAi-based approaches.

Devaneios

Reflecting on the creative act is an important moment of pause for us to understand the paths that feed our processes, evaluate the transformations our practices have taken, and delve more deeply into our artistic work. During the creative process, the artist uses an initial idea, which is often reconfigured after a period of maturation, reflection, and experimentation. This investigative trajectory is permeated by doubts and uncertainties, tests, errors, abandonments, successes, revisions, deviations, migrations, expansions, ramifications, and new inspirations; a constant advance and retreat of possibilities lead to the realisation of the work, the emergence of other works or new areas of interest to be investigated. It is a process of constant metamorphosis, which requires moments of distance from the artist for the maturation of their aesthetic issues.

Metamorphosis of a Tall and Ugly Woman Through Plastic Surgery During a 7-Year Period: An Analysis of The Life and Loves of a She-Devil.

The aim of this study is to analyze the process of metamorphosis of a tall and ugly woman through plastic surgery as depicted in The Life and Loves of a She-Devil (1983) of Fay Weldon. The process of plastic surgeries and the psychology of the protagonist of this novel were analyzed. A highly unattractive woman (Ruth, 185cm) takes revenge on her husband (Bobbo, 175cm) and his attractive lover (Mary Fisher, 160cm). To transform her appearance, Ruth remodels her jaw, has her teeth extracted (2-jaw surgery or facial contouring surgery), straightens and trims her nose (corrective rhinoplasty), flattens her cheekbones (reduction malarplasty), reduces her breast size (reduction mammoplasty), and shortens both her arms and legs (limb reduction surgery). Following the series of surgeries, Ruth ultimately made herself look identical to Mary Fisher, her husband's lover. She believes her inadequacies stem from her body's failure to meet societal beauty standards, prompting her decision to "remake" herself. She declares, "I will be what I want, not what God ordained." Ruth's aspiration is not to acquire a new face but to attain the face of Mary Fisher. When confronted with pain and harm, Ruth does not waver but acknowledges it. "Of course it hurts. Andersen's little mermaid wanted legs instead of a tail. And, like her, I welcome it. I don't complain." In this study, we derived insights into why patients who want to change their entire bodies undergo plastic surgery, what these patients really want, and patients' attitudes toward the pain caused by surgical procedures.

E93 is involved in regulating larval-pupal metamorphosis and the development of the wing and ovary in Helicoverpa armigera, and it shows great potential for RNAi-based pest control

The ecdysone-induced transcription factor E93 in model insects plays multiple roles in the insect metamorphosis processes, such as remodeling larval tissues and determining adult tissue formation. The knockdown of E93 in insects leads to incomplete metamorphosis, suggesting that E93 is a potential target for pest control. In this study, the HaE93 gene in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, a polyphagous pest of various commercial crops worldwide, was identified and found to have high expression in the egg, prepupal, and pupal stages. The injection of dsHaE93 induced about 60% mortality in H. armigera at the larval-pupal stage. About 30% of the H. armigera surviving knockdown of the HaE93 gene showed delayed pupation and developed abnormal wings, and the females developed reduced ovaries. About 90% of the HaE93 knockdown individuals failed to reproduce before they died. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of ecdysone primary-response genes, chitin synthesis-related genes, and wing and ovary development-related genes were reduced in HaE93 knockdown H. armigera. These results indicated that HaE93 plays a critical role in larva-pupa-adult metamorphosis and the development of the cuticle, wing, and ovary in female H. armigera by regulating the expression of the associated genes. Bioassays of dsHaE93 administered by either oral delivery or injection showed similar knockdown results, which suggested that HaE93 can be used as a target gene for the RNAi control of the pest H. armigera.

Ouroboros and/or Butterfly: A Book Review of The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism by David Hummel

This article is a review of David Hummel’s The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism, a book that questions whether the academic debate around dispensationalism is truly dead. By exploring through the lens of metaphorical theology, we look at how commercialization caused academic dispensationalism to self-cannibalize. Applying analysis to both the ouroboros and butterfly metaphors we can examine whether dispensationalism is dead or if there is a potential for a newer, stronger version of academic debate on the topic to resurface once again. Equally as plausible, is the notion that dispensationalism has changed its meaning through the metamorphosis process of changing from academic dispensationalism to pop-dispensationalism. By looking at the meaning change that occurs at the point of transaction, we see that the biography of dispensationalism shows a significant shift in meaning as it becomes a commercial hit.

Unraveling the transcriptomic landscape of eye migration and visual adaptations during flatfish metamorphosis

Flatfish undergo a remarkable metamorphosis from symmetrical pelagic larvae to fully asymmetrical benthic juveniles. The most distinctive features of this transformation is the migration of one eye. The molecular role of thyroid hormone in the metamorphosis process in flatfishes is well established. However, the regulatory network that facilitates eye movement remains enigmatic. This paper presents a morphological investigation of the metamorphic process in turbot eyes, using advanced imaging techniques and a global view of gene expression. The study covers migrant and non-migrant eyes and aims to identify the genes that are active during ocular migration. Our transcriptomic analysis shows a significant up-regulation of immune-related genes. The analysis of eye-specific genes reveals distinct patterns during the metamorphic process. Myosin is highlighted in the non-migrant eye, while ependymin is highlighted in the migrant eye, possibly involved in optic nerve regeneration. Furthermore, a potential association between the alx3 gene and cranial restructuring has been identified. Additionally, it confirmed simultaneous adaptation to low light in both eyes, as described by changes in opsins expression during the metamorphic process. The study also revealed that ocular migration activates systems asynchronously in both eyes, providing insight into multifaceted reorganization processes during metamorphosis of flatfish.

The BTB transcription factor, Abrupt, acts cooperatively with Chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis (Chinmo) to repress metamorphosis and promotes leg regeneration

Many insects undergo the process of metamorphosis when larval precursor cells begin to differentiate to create the adult body. The larval precursor cells retain stem cell-like properties and contribute to the regenerative ability of larval appendages. Here we demonstrate that two Broad-complex/Tramtrack/Bric-à-brac Zinc-finger (BTB) domain transcription factors, Chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis (Chinmo) and Abrupt (Ab), act cooperatively to repress metamorphosis in the flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Knockdown of chinmo led to precocious development of pupal legs and antennae. We show that although topical application of juvenile hormone (JH) prevents the decrease in chinmo expression in the final instar, chinmo and JH act in distinct pathways. Another gene encoding the BTB domain transcription factor, Ab, was also necessary for the suppression of broad (br) expression in T. castaneum in a chinmo RNAi background, and simultaneous knockdown of ab and chinmo led to the precocious onset of metamorphosis. Furthermore, knockdown of ab led to the loss of regenerative potential of larval legs independently of br. In contrast, chinmo knockdown larvae exhibited pupal leg regeneration when a larval leg was ablated. Taken together, our results show that both ab and chinmo are necessary for the maintenance of the larval tissue identity and, apart from its role in repressing br, ab acts as a crucial regulator of larval leg regeneration. Our findings indicate that BTB domain proteins interact in a complex manner to regulate larval and pupal tissue homeostasis.

Faktografija i fikcija - ogledavanja u romanu Vreme smrti Dobrice Ćosića

The subject of this paper is the analysis of Dobrica Ćosić's novel A Time of Death I-IV (1972-1979), primarily from the perspective of possible worlds theory. One of the most important Serbian novels about the First World War, which critics have frequently defined as an epic novel, was inspiring for our research for at least two reasons: the first lies in the fact that historiographic metafiction is still the most prominent literary current in Serbian novelistic production, and the second is that contemporary readers have returned to Ćosić through intensive film adaptations in the recent years. The analysis and survey of the relationship between the factographic and fictional is precisely what led to the illumination and better understanding of the contemporary readers' attitude towards the so-called NEO-historical novel, which, according to Tihomir Brajović, began with Dobrica Ćosić. An interpretation of the characters in terms of possible worlds theory is at the center of attention, particularly the function of extratextual narrative identities of military leaders, statesmen, politicians, and warriors (Nikola Pašić, Aleksandar Karađorđević, Radomir Putnik, Stepa Stepanović, Živojin Mišić, Petar Bojović, Apis, and Stanislav Vinaver, among others). The specific aim of this paper is to understand the creative process whereby the characters were transformed and shaped as they made the transition from fact to fiction and, in this context, to analyze the documentary and artistic function of different types of texts that are incorporated into the narrative fabric of the novel. In particular, the author's auto-poetic comments are deemed particularly relevant to unlocking the process of metamorphosis of the historical into the fictional. Two more questions are addressed as separate research challenges: (1) the importance of the specific way in which the author constructs the so-called historical characters to form national identity in the novel; and (2) the more general issue of historical truth, with particular regard to the nature of historiographic narrative. The methodological starting point for the interpretation of the characters is provided by the tenets of postclassical (cognitive) narratology, with priority given to Hilary Dannenberg's typology of transworld identities.

Mostruose metamorfosi: sull’ibridazione iconografica del basilisco

The paper aims to highlight the centrality of a late process of metamorphosis, which has unequivocally conditioned the image of the basilisk, radically transforming its appearance from a simple snake to a monster with the body of a rooster and a snake’s tail. The basilisk described in the classical sources corresponded to a small snake but was characterized by an extraordinary poisonous power. With the passage to the Middle Ages and the influence of Christianity, the basilisk took on new monstrous meanings, transforming its iconography into a rooster-snake hybrid, based on theories that believed it was generated from a rooster’s egg. The Renaissance and Early Modern Age inherited the medieval basilisk, which continued to be prominently depicted in emblematic literature; in parallel, however, the new scientific literature began to exclude excessively legendary meanings, preferring to return to descriptions of the classical era and thus depict the basilisk as a snake.

Особенности эволюции экистического пространства Саратовской области во второй половине имперского периода (1800–1917 гг.)

This study delves into the profound transformation of demographic and Ecistic space within the contemporary Saratov region during the latter half of the imperial era (1800–1917). Spatial and temporal trends, as well as the driving forces behind their development, have been meticulously examined. The findings reveal a fascinating process of Ecistic space metamorphosis within the region. This intertwines with the wave-like dynamics of numerous socio-technical innovations (including the emancipation of serfs and the establishment of free land trade, state peasant reforms, the advent of the industrial revolution, and the sweeping Great Reforms). It is evident that the colonization phase of territorial exploration and the establishment of a fundamental hierarchical framework (governorate → district → volost → city → village) within the Ecistic space of the region have reached their culmination.

Regeneration and regengrow in multicellular animals derive from the presence of processes of organ metamorphosis and continuous growth in their life cycles

AbstractThe present review formulates an evolutionary hypothesis on the distribution of regeneration in invertebrates and vertebrates. Regeneration is a basal ancestral property of animals living in aqueous environment where life was generated. The specific life cycles that evolved in each phylum indicate that only adult aquatic animals with asexual reproduction, larval stages and metamorphosis, possess broad regenerative abilities, protostomes or deuterostomes. Regeneration derives from the re‐utilization in different forms of numerous developmental gene pathways active during development and the transitional phases of larval metamorphosis. An injured adult animal, composed of differentiated tissues, cannot repeat the same sequence of gene activation of embryogenesis, resulting in a variable regeneration (most aquatic invertebrates and anamiotes). In contrast, species with a genome that is not programmed for producing larvae and intense metamorphosis, mainly terrestrial (numerous nematodes, arthropods and amniotes), cannot regenerate their organs after injury. It is hypothesized that during the evolution of terrestrial animals, they lost genes involved in regeneration so that they repair by wound healing associated with grow (regengrow) or by scarring. Future molecular knowledge on developmental pathways that evolved in regenerating competent animals will tell us whether or not organ regeneration in regenerative incompetent animals will be feasible.

Metamorphosis of a Commodity Plastic like PVC to Efficient Catalytic Single-Chain Nanoparticles.

We perform the conversion of a commodity plastic of common use in pipes, window frames, medical devices, flexible hoses, etc. like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs). SCNPs are versatile, protein-mimetic soft nano-objects of growing interest for catalysis, sensing, and nanomedicine, among other uses. We demonstrate that the metamorphosis process -as induced through metal-free click chemistry- leads to well-defined, uniform SCNPs that are stable during storage in the solid state for months. All the conversion process (from PVC isolation to PVC-SCNPs synthesis) can be run in a green, dipolar aprotic solvent and involving, when required, a simple mixture of ethanol and water (1/1 vol.) as non-solvent. The resulting PVC-SCNPs are investigated as recyclable, metalloenzyme-mimetic catalysts for several representative Cu(II)-catalyzed organic reactions. The method could be valid for the metamorphosis and valorization of other commodity plastics in which it is feasible to install azide functional groups in their linear polymer chains.

Metamorphosis of a Commodity Plastic like PVC to Efficient Catalytic Single‐Chain Nanoparticles

AbstractWe perform the conversion of a commodity plastic of common use in pipes, window frames, medical devices, flexible hoses, etc. like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to single‐chain nanoparticles (SCNPs). SCNPs are versatile, protein‐mimetic soft nano‐objects of growing interest for catalysis, sensing, and nanomedicine, among other uses. We demonstrate that the metamorphosis process ‐as induced through metal‐free click chemistry‐ leads to well‐defined, uniform SCNPs that are stable during storage in the solid state for months. All the conversion process (from PVC isolation to PVC‐SCNPs synthesis) can be run in a green, dipolar aprotic solvent and involving, when required, a simple mixture of ethanol and water (1/1 vol.) as non‐solvent. The resulting PVC‐SCNPs are investigated as recyclable, metalloenzyme‐mimetic catalysts for several representative Cu(II)‐catalyzed organic reactions. The method could be valid for the metamorphosis and valorization of other commodity plastics in which it is feasible to install azide functional groups in their linear polymer chains.

Tadpole growth rates and gut bacterial community: Dominance of developmental stages over temperature variations.

Tadpoles present an intriguing model system for studying the regulation and selection of gut microbiota. They offer a unique perspective to enhance our understanding of host-microbiota interactions, given their capacity to alter the dynamics of the gut microbial community by interacting with multiple environmental factors within a complex life cycle. In this study, we comprehensively investigated variations in growth rate and gut bacterial community in relation to temperature differences during the complex process of amphibian metamorphosis. Higher temperatures prompted tadpoles to metamorphose more rapidly than at lower temperatures, but the impact on size and weight was minimal. Differences in temperature were not associated with gut bacterial diversity, but they did affect certain aspects of beta diversity and bacterial composition. However, the developmental stage invoked greater heterogeneity than temperature in gut bacterial diversity, composition, and functional groups. These findings suggest that inherent biological systems exert stronger control over an organism's homeostasis and variation than the external environment. Although results may vary based on the magnitude or type of environmental factors, metamorphosis in tadpoles greatly influences their biology, potentially dominating microbial interactions.

From traditional flower fair to “degenerate temple” to modern exposition: The local politics and spatial improvement of Qingyang Palace in Chengdu (1906–1937)

Prior to the Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895, arguments for transforming cities’ traditional saihui (賽會, ‘religious processions’) into modern expositions frequently appeared in newspapers, and in 1906, the inland city of Chengdu took the lead in putting this into practice. Unlike expositions in other cities, which were either held at factories or in parks, or put on exhibitions at newly constructed venues, the Chengdu Industrial Exposition was reborn from the Qingyang Palace (青羊宫 Qingyang gong) Flower Fair, which had a long-standing history. Officials began holding industrial expositions at the former site of the Qingyang Palace Flower Fair during the period of the New Policy of the late Qing Dynasty, to revitalize industry and commerce and furthermore in the hopes of achieving the objectives of transforming folk customs and improving society. During the Republican period, the Sichuanese government was controlled by warlords, and the industrial exposition was suspended and reinstated several times, but due to the inertia of folk tradition, the flower fairs were consistently held as they had been before. As a space for temporary public exhibitions in the early modern era, the Qingyang Palace Industrial Exposition not only became a field for the exhibition of and chess games between different wills to power due to the concentration of the city’s principal capital forces and agents of power, but furthermore became a focal point for social relationships due to attracting social commentary and a high degree of attention from the media through widespread participation by merchants. From the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic, in the course of officials holding industrial expositions at and promoting the spatial improvement of Qingyang Palace and Erxian Temple, the pulsation of early modern trends of thought, treachery in local politics, the deep roots of traditional customs, and multilateral chess games between social forces surged, engraving the difficult process of the modern metamorphosis, reshaping and growth of a traditional inland city.

Tank color influence on the Tomato Clownfish Amphiprion frenatus metamorphosis

AbstractObjectiveThe color of the environment positively influences the development of some fish species. Thus, we evaluated whether different aquarium colors affected the metamorphosis process of Tomato Clownfish Amphiprion frenatus.MethodsOperationally, we distributed the Tomato Clownfish larvae into white, yellow, blue, or black aquaria and monitored the larval development until 61 days posthatch.ResultWe found that environmental color influenced the early development of Tomato Clownfish and their metamorphosis process. In the black aquarium treatment, 87.2% of the larvae in block I completed metamorphosis and reached the juvenile stage, and 59.3% of larvae in block II completed metamorphosis (blocks represented two successive spawns). These high percentiles of metamorphosed larvae were not observed in the other tank color treatments.ConclusionThus, our results suggest that the metamorphosis of Tomato Clownfish could be accelerated if the larviculture occurs in darker‐color conditions, especially black aquaria. This result has practical and economic implications since Tomato Clownfish specimens are commercialized at the juvenile stage.

Using CRISPR/Cas9 to identify genes required for mechanosensory neuron development and function.

Tunicates are marine, non-vertebrate chordates that comprise the sister group to the vertebrates. Most tunicates have a biphasic lifecycle that alternates between a swimming larva and a sessile adult. Recent advances have shed light on the neural basis for the tunicate larva's ability to sense a proper substrate for settlement and initiate metamorphosis. Work in the highly tractable laboratory model tunicate Ciona robusta suggests that sensory neurons embedded in the anterior papillae transduce mechanosensory stimuli to trigger larval tail retraction and initiate the process of metamorphosis. Here, we take advantage of the low-cost and simplicity of Ciona by using tissue-specific CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis to screen for genes potentially involved in mechanosensation and metamorphosis, in the context of an undergraduate 'capstone' research course. This small screen revealed at least one gene, Vamp1/2/3, which appears crucial for the ability of the papillae to trigger metamorphosis. We also provide step-by-step protocols and tutorials associated with this course, in the hope that it might be replicated in similar CRISPR-based laboratory courses wherever Ciona are available.