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A cDNA encoding a protein (B24) belonging to the Mcm/P1 family was isolated from the newt Triturus carnifex. In eukaryotes, the members of the Mcm/P1 family are essential factors in the DNA replication process. B24 protein (TcMcm3) is present in salamandrid ovarian oocytes and early embryos; its role was tested by injecting specific anti-B24 monoclonal antibodies into the cytoplasm of one blastomere of two-cell stage embryos. The injected blastomere encountered cleavage arrest either soon after the injection or following one or two divisions; later, it degenerated. Instead, the uninjected blastomere went on developing and organizing a hemi-embryo, which does not grow beyond the tailbud stage. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the B24 protein is involved in DNA replication at cleavage. The B24 protein studied here appears to play a specific role in early development; other variants of the Mcm3 group seem to be employed by different adult tissues.

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