Developmental Genetics in Xenopus tropicalis

The diploid pipid frog Xenopus tropicalis has recently emerged as a powerful new model system for combining genetic and genomic analysis of tetrapod development with embryological and biochemical assays. Its early development closely resembles that of its well-understood tetraploid relative Xenopus laevis , from which techniques and reagents can be readily transferred, but its compact genome is highly syntenic with those of amniotes. Genetic approaches are facilitated by the large number of embryos produced and the ease of haploid genetics and gynogenesis.