Experimental depletion of β-catenin mRNA transcripts in amphibian embryos results in
A) failure of cleavage to occur.
B) induction of a second axis of embryo formation.
C) failure of gastrulation to occur.
D) failure of invagination to occur.
E) slowing down of the cleavage process.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Depletion of β-catenin mRNA transcripts leads to failure of gastrulation to occur, as β-catenin is necessary for the activation of mesodermal genes required for gastrulation.

Answer: B 
 In some cases, depletion of β-catenin mRNA transcripts can lead to the induction of a second axis of embryo formation through the activation of Wnt-signaling pathways. However, this is not always observed and is not the primary consequence of depletion.

Experimental Depletion of β-Catenin MRNA Transcripts in Amphibian Embryos Results