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Fig. 8 bnc2 is required for survival of melanophores, xanthophores, and iridophores.
Shown are repeated images from single larvae, with specific cells numbered. (A) In wild-type, individual cells could be followed through adult stripe formation. (B) In bonaparte mutants, individual cells were lost over a period of several days, corresponding to late stages of pigment pattern metamorphosis (11–14 SSL). (C–G) Higher magnification views showing chromatophore death and extrusion in bonaparte mutants. (C) Melanin-containing cellular fragments beneath the skin (arrow), adjacent to an intact melanophore. (D) A cluster of melanin-containing fragments at the surface of the epidermis (arrow), adjacent to a lateral line neuromast (arrowhead). (E) Melanin-containing extrusion body (arrow) that has just been extruded but is still adherent to the outer epidermis. (F) Pteridine and carotenoid-containing cellular debris at the epidermal surface, indicative of xanthophore loss. (G) Extrusion bodies contaiing melanin (lower left) as well as single body containing both xanthophore pigment and iridophore reflecting platelets (arrowhead and arrow, respectively). Typically, at least ten extrusion bodies could be found per individual examined.