Analysis of Cell Differentiation, Morphogenesis, and Patterning During Chicken Embryogenesis Using the Soaked-Bead Assay

The soaked bead assay involves targeted delivery of test reagent at any developmental time point to study the regulation of cell differentiation and morphogenesis. A detailed protocol, applicable to any experimental animal model, for preparing three different types of soaked beads and implanting these in the interdigit of a chicken embryo is presented.