A lethal mutant gene in the Mexican axolotl.
Gene ph was discovered in a wild-type axolotl male received from Mexico City. Larvae homozygous for this gene become recognizable by their lighter color at hatching or shortly after. The development of their forelimbs is retarded, and all limbs are of subnormal length because of the reduction in length of their long bones. Many affected larvae die without feeding, and very few survive beyond their third month. At death, older larvae usually show abnormalities of the renal system, edema, ascites, or adhesions of the viscera. The gene is apparently a simple recessive with full penetrance.
D000557:Ambystoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D000818:Animals; D005552:Forelimb / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development; D005804:Genes, Lethal; D007814:Larva / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D008297:Male