Figure 2.

Germ cell number is dramatically reduced in an apoptosis-independent manner in cdd-1/2 DKO worms fed low-uridine food. (A) Bar graph representing the total germ cell counts per gonad arm for worms of the indicated genotypes/developmental stages/feeding conditions. The number above each bar represents the average of total germ cells number per gonadal arm from the indicated number of gonad arms (n) counted in each group. (B–M) DAPI-stained images of young adult hermaphrodites. An asterisk marks the distal end of the gonad, a dashed line outlines the germline and the somatic gonadal cells, and an arrow marks the mature sperm. Bar, 20 µm. In this figure and all subsequent figures, thin white lines were applied to indicate where two photographs of the same animal have been merged. In B–G, worms of the indicated genotypes were fed OP50 E. coli. In H–M, cdd-1/2 DKO worms were fed the indicated E. coli strains or nucleotide supplements (see Tables 1, 2 for fertility statistics). (N) Bar graph representing the number of SYTO-12-positive germ cells per gonad arm in young adult hermaphrodites. (n) Total number of gonad arms examined in each group. (O–Q) Blocking apoptosis by a ced-4(lf) mutation did not significantly suppress the germline proliferation arrest seen in cdd-1/2 DKO worms. DAPI-stained images of young adult hermaphrodites of the indicated genotypes are shown. Asterisk marks the distal end of the gonad; a dashed line outlines the germline. Bar, 20 µm.