How does a cell manage to divide into two cells? Why are development arrested? The study of cell division in C. elegans
helps us uncover the relationship between genes
and their expressions.
A wild type: this will develop into a worm.
(640 KB, movie length: 10″)
A mutant: its development will be arrested.
(1 MB, movie length: 15″)
Wild type | ![]() |
Mutant | ![]() |
Wild type (706 amino acid) | ![]() |
Mutant (615 amino acid) | ![]() |
O’Connell KF, Caron C, Kopish KR, Hurd DD, Kemphues KJ, Li Y, White JG. The C. elegans zyg-1 gene encodes a regulator of centrosome duplication with distinct maternal and paternal roles in the embryo. Cell. 2001 May 18;105(4):547-58.
Genotype/Phenotype module: instructional materials for learning the relationship between genotype and phenotype by inquiry. Students get to observe phenomena, pose questions, collect evidences etc. Animations, movies, images and hands-on tools are provided to assist learning. With adequate citation, materials are free to be used in other pedagogical approaches.
Wild type and mutant movies: Kevin O’Connell, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases.