What is vulval precursor cells?

The primary precursor cell generates vulE and vulF mature vulval cells; the pattern of vulE and vulF cells requires an additional signal from the anchor cell as well as WNT signaling.

For what is Caenorhabditis elegans known?

In 1974, he began research into the molecular and developmental biology of C. elegans, which has since been extensively used as a model organism. It was the first multicellular organism to have its whole genome sequenced, and as of 2019, is the only organism to have its connectome (neuronal “wiring diagram”) completed.

What is VPC in C. elegans?

C. elegans vulval formation has served as a key developmental model system to study cell-cell interactions and cell fate patterning through cross-talk of EGF/Ras and Delta/Notch pathways. The vulva develops from a subset of vulval precursor cells (VPCs), called P3. p to P8.

Is Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite?

C. elegans has two natural sexes, XO males and XX hermaphrodites. The hermaphrodites are simply self-fertile females whose only male character is the ability to make the limited number of sperm used solely for internal self-fertilization.

What is anchor cell invasion?

The anchor cell next removes the basement membrane that separates the uterus and vulva and invades, initiating the connection between the uterus and the vulva. Finally the anchor cell fuses with eight of the π cells to form the uterine seam cell.

How does Caenorhabditis elegans reproduce?

The hermaphroditic nematode worms of C. elegans can reproduce either by self-fertilization or by mating with males. A self-fertilizing hermaphrodite can produce around 300 offspring before sperm depletion; an outcrossed hermaphrodite supplied with plentiful virile males can produce as many as 1,400 offspring.

Why is Caenorhabditis elegans a good model organism?

C. elegans is a nematode worm and is significantly anatomically simpler than a human, however, it does share many similarities at the molecular level making it a good candidate for a model organism.

What are the stages of development of a C. elegans?

The C. elegans life cycle comprises of four larval stages — L1, L2, L3, L4 — which are followed by adulthood. Under certain environmental conditions, such as scarcity of food, the late L1 or L2 larvae arrest and enter an alternative developmental program, called the dauer stage.

What is the function of the anchor cell?

The anchor cell is a cell in nematodes such as Caenorhabditis elegans. It is important in the development of the reproductive system, as it is required for the production of the tube of cells that allows embryos to pass from the uterus through the vulva to the outside of the worm.

What type of tissue has a basement membrane?

The basement membrane (BM) is a special type of extracellular matrix that lines the basal side of epithelial and endothelial tissues.

Why Caenorhabditis elegans became a useful model for the development of multicellular organisms in the study of system development and in the Ageing process?

They have a short life cycle of only two weeks, which is useful for studying their development. C. elegans is a very small organism so is convenient to keep in the lab. The worm is transparent throughout its life so the behaviour of individual cells can be followed through its development.

What type of organism is Caenorhabditis elegans?

nematode worm
Caenorhabditis elegans is a species of nematode worm and is frequently chosen as a model organism to study human diseases.