Differential expression of the Xenopus laevis tadpole and adult beta-globin genes when injected into fertilized Xenopus laevis eggs.

Xenopus laevis tadpole and adult beta-globin genes were injected into fertilized X. laevis eggs. Both injected genes replicated and were retained in the developing embryos with equal efficiency. Transcripts of the injected adult gene were detectable at gastrulation and reached a maximum level shortly thereafter. In contrast, transcripts of the injected tadpole gene were not detected until much later stages of development. The level of expression of both the injected genes was low compared with the level of expression of the chromosomal genes during erythropoiesis.