XENOPUS LAEVIS Meaning and
Definition
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Xenopus laevis, commonly known as the African clawed frog, is a species of aquatic frog belonging to the genus Xenopus. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is characterized by several unique physiological and reproductive adaptations.
Xenopus laevis is a medium-sized frog, typically measuring between 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) in length. It is known for its prominently webbed feet with sharp claws, which give rise to its common name. Its skin is smooth and varies in coloration from pale yellow to olive green or brown, often with mottled patterns.
One of the defining features of Xenopus laevis is its reproductive behavior. Unlike most frogs, which reproduce externally, these frogs possess internal fertilization. The males have specially modified front limbs called "nuptial pads" that aid in gripping the female during amplexus (mating). Following fertilization, the female will lay several hundred eggs, which are typically deposited in water bodies and attached to submerged vegetation.
Xenopus laevis is widely used in scientific research due to its unique properties, including its ability to regenerate various body tissues and organs. It has been extensively studied in developmental biology, genetics, and toxicology. Furthermore, this species became renowned in pregnancy testing during the mid-20th century for its sensitivity to human chorionic gonadotropin hormone.
Due to its adaptable nature and ease of husbandry in laboratory settings, Xenopus laevis has become a popular model organism for scientific investigations, contributing significantly to our understanding of various biological processes.
Common Misspellings for XENOPUS LAEVIS
- zenopus laevis
- cenopus laevis
- denopus laevis
- senopus laevis
- xwnopus laevis
- xsnopus laevis
- xdnopus laevis
- xrnopus laevis
- x4nopus laevis
- x3nopus laevis
- xebopus laevis
- xemopus laevis
- xejopus laevis
- xehopus laevis
- xenipus laevis
- xenkpus laevis
- xenlpus laevis
- xenppus laevis
- xen0pus laevis
Etymology of XENOPUS LAEVIS
The word Xenopus laevis has its etymology rooted in Greek.
- Xenopus is derived from the Greek words xenos meaning strange or foreign and pous meaning foot. It refers to the unique appearance of the frog's feet, which have a claw-like structure.
- Laevis comes from the Latin word meaning smooth or slippery. It describes the slippery and smooth skin of the frog.
Thus, the name Xenopus laevis roughly translates to strange-footed, smooth-skinned frog.
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