1. Purpose
To ascertain the effects of a pharmacological manipulation on ear development in Xenopus
To assess motor output following the application of a stimulus

2. Part 1
Treated frog embryos (gastrulation) with different concentrations of drug and observed effects on ear development and size
Drug (Vismodegib) blocks sonic hedgehog signaling, an important morphogen signal in development.
Measured length of ears in both A-P and M-L orientations at tadpole stage

3. Results
Part 1

4. Part 2
Wanted to see if our two main phenotypes had an effect on the escape response swimming behavior
Reduced ear
Increased musculature into the head
Performed analysis of C-start escape response with high speed camera (control vs 6.25 µM Vismodegib)
Looked at time to respond
Looked at angle at maximum flexion

5. Results Part 2
Control
Treated (6.25 µM vismodegib)

6. Results Part 2
Angle at Maximum Flexion