Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

10:24
Xenopus laevis as a Model to Identify Translation Impairment
Published on: September 27, 2015
ras proteins can induce meiosis in Xenopus oocytes
Cell
|December 1, 1985
Abstract:
Injection of human H-ras protein induces maturation of Xenopus oocytes; that is, progression from prophase to metaphase of meiosis. The oncogenic protein encoded by H-rasval12 is nearly a 100-fold more potent than the protein encoded by the wild-type gene. We do not observe any measurable increase or decrease in cyclic AMP concentration in injected oocytes, and the effects of H-ras protein are only partially blocked by cholera toxin. Our results suggest that not all, if any, of the effects of H-rasval12 protein in this system are mediated by adenylate cyclase.
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Meiosis I
Meiosis is the division of a diploid cell into haploid cells forming sperm and eggs in animals through differentiation. Meiosis I is the first stage of meiosis, where the genetic recombination of homologous chromosomes and the reduction of the ploidy level by half occurs.
Prophase I is the most extended and complex step of meiosis I characterized by synapsis, chromosome pairing, and recombination of the homologous chromosomes. This process is facilitated by a proteinaceous structure called the...
Prophase I is the most extended and complex step of meiosis I characterized by synapsis, chromosome pairing, and recombination of the homologous chromosomes. This process is facilitated by a proteinaceous structure called the...
Meiosis II
Meiosis II entails cell division and segregation of the sister chromatids, resulting in the production of four unique haploid gametes. The steps for meiosis II are similar to mitosis, except that meiosis II occurs in haploid cells, whereas mitosis occurs in diploid cells.
The timing and cell division patterns of meiosis differ between males and females. In male meiosis, the centrosomes are part of the formation of the meiotic spindle. However, in oocytes, including that of humans, Drosophila,...
The timing and cell division patterns of meiosis differ between males and females. In male meiosis, the centrosomes are part of the formation of the meiotic spindle. However, in oocytes, including that of humans, Drosophila,...
Meiosis vs. Mitosis
Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...

