Fig. 3.

Classification of morphant phenotypes. We examined skeletal morphology at 24 hpf using differential interference contrast (DIC) and polarization (POL) optics and classified morphant phenotypes into four categories based on the extent to which skeletogenesis was perturbed: 1) Strong phenotype (no detectable skeletal elements or only 1–2 tiny, birefringent granules; 2) Moderate phenotype (small, linear skeletal elements); 3) Weak phenotype (highly reduced skeleton but with branched skeletal rods); and 4) No effect (normal, branched larval skeleton). Arrows indicate birefringent skeletal elements.