Cell division in the frog embryo

This move shows a small field of cells, with some dividing, in the central nervous system of an intact, developing frog embryo (Xenopus laevis). Cells are expressing histone-2B fused to green fluorescent protein (H2B-GFP) to label the chromosomes and a membrane-targeted red fluorescent protein (memRFP). Chromosomes condense, line up on the metaphase plate, and then separate during anaphase. Curiously, in these cells, chromosomes separate until they closely appose the cell cortex. This division mechanism is unexpected, and has now been shown to stem from a low level expression in these cells of the protein PRC1 (protein regulator of cytokinesis). Kieserman et al., Current Biology 18(2), 116-123.

http://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822%2807%2902425-6

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Cell
• division
• frog
• embryo
• chromosomes

[nashixe]

What is the precise nature of this membrane-RFP?