Development of gynogenetic eggs in the mouse: implications for parthenogenetic embryos

Mouse eggs with different genetic constitutions were prepared by micromanipulation of fertilized diploids and triploids. The diploid gynogenones, activated by the male gamete which was then removed, developed at best to about the 25-somite stage as did the genetically similar diploid parthenogenones stimulated to develop in the complete absence of the male gamete. The failure of development to term in both cases may be due to homozygosity and does not appear to be due to a lack of extragenetic contribution from spermatozoa.