Germ Plasm and Germ Cells

Question 1

Germ plasm generally has a visible different appearance due to

Answer 1

P granules

Question 2

2 basic components Germ plasm contains:

Answer 2

mitochondria, and RNA helicases

Question 3

What kind of cells in general, do the germ cells Z2 and Z3 come from in C elegans?

Answer 3

They are derived from the posterior cells P1-4.

Question 4

What are two components that track with germ cells in C Elegans?

Answer 4

PIE - I and p granules

Question 5

What gene is required for putting germ plasm in the proper posterior cells?

Answer 5

par genes

Question 6

In order to remain germ cells, transcription must be repressed by ____ to not differentiate

Answer 6

PIE-I

Question 7

What is the name of germ cell precursors in Drosophila?

Answer 7

pole cells

Question 8

How can pole plasm be proved as a localized determinant?

Answer 8

take pole plasm from the posterior of one fly, inject into the anterior of a second to induce pole cells, then take those cells and place them in a third fly anterior near the gonads and develop. Look for cells of the second genotype in the final fly.

Question 9

How to test if oskar mRNA is sufficient to recruit germ plasm [create pole cells]

Answer 9

bicoid mRNA is normally at the anterior. Add bicoid localization signal to an oskar gene and see pole cells develop at the anterior

Question 10

How are primordial germ cells directed into the genital ridge?

Answer 10

They are guided via chemotaxis by SDF-1.

Question 11

What is the name of the receptor that senses SDF-1?

Answer 11

The receptor is CXCR4.

Question 12

What happens when you add too much SDF1 into an embryo? What analogy did Dr. Hardin make?

Answer 12

You get germ cells going everywhere, and not localizing. Like the Hardin wife’s perfume example.