Xenopus
Xenopus is a genus of highly aquatic frogs native to sub-Saharan Africa. Twenty species are currently recognized. Xenopus species are used as model organisms in developmental biology, cell biology, toxicology, and neuroscience.
Taxonomy
The genus Xenopus belongs to the family Pipidae and was originally included in the genus Dactylethra. The species of Xenopus are divided into two subgenera. The subgenus Xenopus includes Xenopus laevis and Xenopus muelleri, and the subgenus Silurana includes Xenopus tropicalis.
Description
Xenopus species are aquatic frogs. They have a flattened body and a wide, flat head. The skin is smooth, but with a lateral line sensory organ that is more developed in aquatic species. They have large, webbed hind feet and smaller, unwebbed front feet. The fingers have no claws or discs, and the toes have a small, hard tip.
Distribution and habitat
Xenopus species are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They inhabit a wide range of habitats, from arid regions to rainforests. They are highly aquatic and are found in lakes, ponds, rivers, and swamps.
Behavior and ecology
Xenopus species are active at night. They feed on a variety of invertebrates, including insects, worms, and crustaceans. They are also known to eat small fish and amphibians. They have a unique method of feeding in which they use their forelimbs to push food into their mouths.
Use in research
Xenopus has long been an important model organism in cell and developmental biology. It is particularly useful for studies of vertebrate embryogenesis and organ development. Xenopus eggs are large and easy to manipulate, and develop rapidly outside the mother's body. This makes them ideal for experimental manipulation and observation.
Conservation
Several Xenopus species are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and disease. The IUCN Red List includes several Xenopus species in its categories of vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered species.
See also
Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.
W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:
- Most insurances accepted or discounted self-pay rates. We will obtain insurance prior authorizations if needed.
- Generic GLP1 weight loss injections from $125 for the starting dose.
- Also offer prescription weight loss medications including Phentermine, Qsymia, Diethylpropion, Contrave etc.
NYC weight loss doctor appointments
Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.
- Call 718-946-5500 to lose weight in NYC or for medical weight loss in Philadelphia 215-676-2334.
- Tags:NYC medical weight loss, Philadelphia lose weight Zepbound NYC, Budget GLP1 weight loss injections, Wegovy Philadelphia, Wegovy NYC, Philadelphia medical weight loss, Brookly weight loss and Wegovy NYC
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
