Abstract
Ascidians have been used extensively as model animals for experimental embryology. We report here the results of a pilot study with the aim of developing genetic methods for the ascidian Ciona savignyi. The chemical mutagen N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) was used to induce point mutations. F1 animals, produced by using sperm from ENU-treated animals to fertilize untreated eggs, were grown to reproductive age. Sperm and eggs collected from the hermaphrodite F1 adults were used to generate self-fertilized F2 broods, which were then screened for recessive, zygotically acting mutations. Animals carrying potential mutations were outcrossed to wild type to test for the heritability of the phenotypes. We report on a number of mutants isolated using this method, including several with abnormalities in tail and notochord development.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 15 March 1999 / Accepted: 6 May 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Moody, R., Davis, S., Cubas, F. et al. Isolation of developmental mutants of the ascidian Ciona savignyi . Mol Gen Genet 262, 199–206 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004380051075
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004380051075