Article Abstract:
The 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of fem-3 messenger RNA apparently controls the switch in the production of sperm to oocytes for hermaphrodite nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. A cytoplasmic protein FBF binding factor has also been discovered that binds to the fem-3 3'UTR's regulatory region and mediates the switch to oocyte from sperm. There are two short flanking regions and eight tandem repeats in the FBF's RNA-binding domain, with several proteins, such as Drosophila Pumilio, conserving the structural element.
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Article Abstract:
Research using Caenorhabditis elegans, a type of nematode, has focused on the way that specific interference effects can be conferred by E coli bacteria on larvae that ingest them. The study used three genes, each with a corresponding dsRNA in the E coli bateria. The study is an example of the transfer of information from one organism to another, and one species to another, mediated by RNA. It is unclear whether this type of transfer mechanism is involved in natural interactions of an ecological nature.
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Article Abstract:
Reports by Godt and Tepass and Gonzalez-Reyes and St Johnston provide evidence that cell sorting by affinity results in organized tissues in the whole animal. The follicles of Drosophila melanogaster the fruitfly ovary were studied. The Oocyte cell within the ovary is sited next to follicle cells at the posterior pole of the follicle. It is suggested that the oocyte assume a posterior position to maximize its association with follicle cells expressing highe levels of E-cadherin.
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