Article Abstract:
The pattern of vulval cell fates can be particularized through either employing a single graded signal that stems from a central source or through a relay system in which one signalling system indicates to its neighbours that they should create a second signal. The second signal in turn patterns more distant cells. The removal of either system does not affect the creation of vulval cell fates. When both the systems function during normal development, they can create the tiny vulvae of Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Article Abstract:
The insulin/IGF receptor homolog DAF-2 controls aging in the nematode C. elegans. Daf-2. A fall in daf-2 activity leads fertile adults to remain active for longer and to live longer. Young larvae will enter a state of diapause with more severe daf-2 function decreases. The life span of C. elegans is thought to be determined by a signaling cascade with DAF-2 acting in multiple cell lineages to control a secondary signal, which itself controls growth.
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Article Abstract:
The differentiation or speciation of embryonic blastomere cells is regulated by the activity of the partial loss of function pal-1 alleles. The pal-1 blastomere-specification genes delay fate determination of P2 somatic cells during the decay of SKN-1 protein to produce a stable PAL-1 protein that is needed for the development of the cells. However, the embryonic activity of pal-1 gene on somatic cells is inhibited by skn-1 protein.
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