Open AccessImmunofluorescence visualization of germ-line-specific cytoplasmic granules in embryos, larvae, and adults of Caenorhabditis elegans.
Author(s) -
Susan Strome,
William B. Wood
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.79.5.1558
Subject(s) - caenorhabditis elegans , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , germ plasm , cytoplasm , somatic cell , germline , mitosis , embryo , germ line development , cell division , germ cell , genetics , cell , gene
By using fluorescent antibody staining, we have followed cytoplasmic granules unique to germ-line cells throughout the life cycle of Caenorhabditis elegans. These elements, designated P granules, are segregated exclusively to germ-line precursor cells during early embryogenesis. Prior to mitosis at each of the early cleavages that produce a somatic and germ-line daughter cell, the granules become localized in the region of cytoplasm destined for the germ-line daughter. After the 16-cell stage, the granules appear to be associated with the nuclear envelope. P granules persist in the germ cells throughout the larval and adult stages. The P granules are similar in number, size, and distribution to germ-line-specific structures identified as "germinal plasm" by electron microscopy in C. elegans embryos.