Abstract
Abstract A combination of microscopical methods (TEM, SEM, freeze fracture, confocal, immunoEM) are utilized to demonstrate functional interactions between somatic cells and the germline in the model organism, C. elegans.A variety of signaling mechanisms are required to coordinate activity of maturing oocytes and the somatic sheath of the gonad. Communication via gap junctions allows direct coordination of sheath cell motility and oocyte development. Gap junctions link adjoining sheath cells, and link the sheath to the most mature oocyte. Yolk protein produced in the intestine passes from the pseudocoelom through the basal lamina of the proximal gonad and then through fenestrations (sheath pores) in the gonad sheath before being endocytosed into the most mature oocytes. Myoepithelial specializations anchored by hemi-adherens junctions in the proximal sheath act to squeeze the primary oocyte out of the gonad to the spermatheca for fertilization.
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