Figure 3

dss-1 RNAi results in sterility and growth defects. A. dss-1 RNAi treated worms have higher embryonic lethality and larval arrest compared to vector-treated control worms. One representative of three separate 26°C RNAi experiments is plotted. F1 progeny were followed for four days after N2 L4 worms were placed on RNAi plates. B. Vector-treated control N2 worms have a normal number of oocytes, but in dss-1 RNAi treated worms the oocytes are absent (C) or present in reduced numbers (D). Embryo-like structures in the uterus (E, arrow), vacuoles (F, arrowheads), and emo cells (G, G', em) in the gonad are found occasionally. DTC cells are present in both vector- (H, H') and dss-1 RNAi (I. I') treated worms. Deformed tail (J) and head epithelia (K) are seen in worms arrested at early larval stages. L. Undigested bacteria are found in the bloated intestinal lumen.