Xenopus

Xenopus is a genus of aquatic frogs native to sub-Saharan Africa. Its best-known species, Xenopus laevis, is widely used in developmental biology and other research.

Xenopus laevis: An aquatic African clawed frog native to southern Africa and widely used as a laboratory model. This is the best-known Xenopus species and the genus's leading research animal.
Model organism: A species studied to understand biological processes that apply more broadly. Xenopus provides experimentally accessible systems for studying vertebrate biology.
Metamorphosis: A developmental transformation in which an animal changes substantially in body form after hatching or birth. Xenopus tadpoles remodel their bodies as they become adult frogs.
Pregnancy test: A test that detects pregnancy, commonly by identifying human chorionic gonadotropin in urine or blood. X. laevis was once injected with urine in a biological test for pregnancy.
Xenopus tropicalis: A diploid African clawed frog used in genetics and developmental biology. Its compact genome and diploidy make it a useful counterpart to X. laevis.
Xenopus oocyte: A large egg cell from a Xenopus frog, widely used for studying cell biology and membrane proteins. Its size and resilience make the oocyte especially useful for laboratory experiments.
Thyroid hormone: A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and supports development. Thyroid hormone drives key changes during Xenopus metamorphosis.
Chytridiomycosis: A potentially lethal amphibian disease caused by chytrid fungi, including Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Xenopus frogs have been implicated in the international spread of the chytrid fungus.
African clawed frog: A common name for clawed frogs in the genus Xenopus, especially Xenopus laevis. The name captures the hind-foot claws characteristic of Xenopus frogs.
In vitro fertilization: Fertilization of an egg by sperm outside a living organism. Researchers can fertilize Xenopus eggs in the laboratory and observe early development.

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