Table 2.
piwi function in GSC division is soma-dependent while function in embryogenesis is germ line dependent
| FLP/FRT ovoD1-induced germ-line clones
|
Heat shock
|
N
|
Avg. no. of eggs laid/female
|
Embryos hatched (%)
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| piwi1FRT/ovoD1, FRT | ||||
| × Ore-R males | + | 37 | 50.4 | 0 |
| piwi2FRT/ovoD1, FRT | ||||
| × Ore-R males | + | 26 | 66.7 | 0 |
| piwi1FRT/ovoD1, FRT × Ore-R males | − | 44 | 0 | N.A. |
| piwi2FRT/ovoD1, FRT × Ore-R males | − | 26 | 0 | N.A. |
| ovoD1, FRT/CyO × Ore-R males | + | 20 | 0 | N.A. |
| ovoD1, FRT/CyO × Ore-R males | − | 10 | 0 | N.A. |
In all tester and control crosses, a number (N) of newly eclosed females were allowed to lay eggs at 25°C for 2 days. In both piwi1and piwi2testers, germ line develops beyond that of ovoD1 mutant ovarioles only following heat shock, giving rise to numerous eggs. This indicates the generation of piwi− germ-line clones and the dispensability of piwi function in the germ line for normal GSC division. However, none of the eggs develop beyond embryogenesis, indicating that germ line piwi expression is required as a maternal component for embryogenesis. The ovoD1, FRT control females lay no eggs either with or without heat shock. (N.A.) Not applicable.