Maternal Environment Affects Offspring in C. elegans
Author Information
Author(s): Harvey Simon C., Orbidans Helen E.
Primary Institution: Canterbury Christ Church University
Hypothesis
How does maternal food availability influence progeny reproduction and development in Caenorhabditis elegans?
Conclusion
The maternal environment significantly impacts progeny reproduction and development in C. elegans, with low food availability leading to larger eggs and altered reproductive traits.
Supporting Evidence
- Low maternal food availability reduces progeny reproduction in good environments.
- Progeny from high food mothers showed greater early reproduction.
- Maternal size did not fully explain variation in progeny reproductive traits.
- Maternal food availability affects the likelihood of progeny developing as dauer larvae.
Takeaway
Moms who have less food make bigger eggs for their babies, which helps them survive better in tough situations.
Methodology
The study involved isolating eggs from C. elegans mothers raised in different food conditions and analyzing the reproductive traits of their progeny.
Limitations
The study could not analyze detailed changes in reproductive traits for progeny from the lowest food concentrations due to limited egg availability.
Participant Demographics
C. elegans nematodes from various maternal food environments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.017
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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