Producing Gynogenetic Embryos in Xenopus tropicalis

Gynogenesis is a form of parthenogenesis in which sperm is required to activate the egg but contributes no genetic material to the embryo. In Xenopus, gynogenetic embryos can be created by using UV-irradiated sperm in in vitro fertilization and then preventing the formation of the second polar body, so the embryo retains two maternal chromosomes. The method is very simple, relies on standard laboratory equipment, and can be used to create homozygous embryos from heterozygous female carriers without the need to raise an F1 generation for in-crosses.