Vertebrate Development: The Japanese Medaka

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Vertebrate Development: The Japanese Medaka
A Lab Exercise in Reproduction and Development

Price:       No Charge

Authors
Jon C. Glase, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Paul D. Reed, Chenango Valley High School, Binghamton, NY

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Abstract
Students will observe eggs collected from a freshwater killifish, the Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes), from freshly fertilized eggs to hatchling stage and beyond. When done in conjunction with other laboratory activities, they will determine basic trends in vertebrate development and be able to compare these trends to invertebrate development.

Appropriate Levels
Life Science, Biology, Honors Biology, Advanced Placement Biology.


Time Required
Teacher Preparation: Significant
In-Class Time: Two periods for the demonstration version; up to two weeks for the extended version.

Materials
  • Medaka fish (can be obtained through Carolina Biological or Ward’s Supply)
  • aquarium and other fish supplies
  • petri dishes to hold eggs (60 x 15 mm work best)
  • glass Pasteur pipettes with small end fired polished closed
  • forceps
  • compound or stereomicroscopes
  • embryo rearing solution