Caffeine is a stimulant often consumed in the form of coffee. Despite its widespread use the effects of caffeine and coffee, especially on early development, are poorly understood. The research aims to study the effects of 5 ug/ml and 10 ug/ml caffeine, 0.01% coffee, and 0.01% decaffeinated coffee on neurulation and brain development in Xenopus laevis (clawed frog). The goal is to determine if caffeine and coffee are teratogenic agents for Xenopus laevis. Furthermore, the research looks at the potential teratogenic effects of decaffeinated coffee as there are few studies done in this area. Xenopus laevis embryos were incubated in four experimental solutions and a control of aged tap water. Development was observed using a stereo microscope, and pictures were taken of the different stages. It was noted that 10 ug/ml caffeine and 0.01% coffee solutions induced the same malformations and mortality in the specimens, while the 0.01% decaffeinated coffee solution induced several malformations not observed in any other group.

Last modified

• 06/14/2022

Creator

• Chalakova, Maria

Contributors

• Dr. Laura Twersky, Thesis Advisor

Subject

• Biology

Publisher

• Saint Peter's University

Date created

• Spring 2022

Resource type

• Research Paper

Rights statement

• In Copyright