Mouse - Questions from Lab Manual

Question 1

Genome size

Answer 1

3 x 10^9 bp

Question 2

Challenges to use as model organism

Answer 2

Large genome size

Embryonic development occurs in utero

Question 3

Advantages of use as model organism

Answer 3

Large body of info about genetics
Amenability to genetic manipulation through ES technology
Variety of strains, mutants, and cell lines

Question 4

Use of mouse for study

Answer 4

Studying mammalian development

Creating mouse models of human diseases

Question 5

Mouse scientific name

Answer 5

Mus musculus

Question 6

Gestation time

Answer 6

19-20 days

Question 7

Litter size

Answer 7

6-20

Question 8

Number of times a mature female gives birth

Answer 8

4-8 times

Question 9

Way to check mating

Answer 9

Vaginal plug

Question 10

Days post coitus if mice are housed in late afternoon and checked in the morning

Answer 10

0.5 dpc

Question 11

Assumed mating time when counting dpc

Answer 11

Midnight

Question 12

Range of mouse stages to study in expt

Answer 12

8.5 to 15.5 dpc

Question 13

Mouse embryo change in shape (____ to _____ to ____)

Answer 13

S-shaped C-shaped (after embryonic turning)

Straightened posture

Question 14

Mouse embryo limb development (day 9 to day 15)

Answer 14

Lateral outgrowth (day 9) to pronounced development of digits (day 15)

Question 15

Some mouse development hallmarks

Answer 15

Limb dev’t
Change in skin texture and color
Formation of the snout and whiskers
Elongation of the tail

Question 16

Order of rehydration of embryos

Answer 16

75% methanol in PBS -> 50% in PBS -> 25% in PBS -> PBS

Question 17

Solution where embryos are submerged when viewing

Answer 17

PBS

Question 18

Mouse length of life cycle from fertilization to mature adult

Answer 18

9 weeks