Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Determining Genetic Expression Profiles in C. elegans Using Microarray and Real-time PCR
Published on: July 30, 2011
SPSP-1 is a sperm protein required for C. elegans hermaphrodite sperm production and embryogenesis
Darline Murat1, Margaret Nagorski1, Ji Kent Kwah1
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
Abstract:
Development requires the fusion of two gametes each with a haploid complement of DNA and the necessary components (RNA, proteins, organelles) needed for early cellular processes and divisions. The C. elegans paternal-effect embryonic lethal gene, spe-11, is one of the few known sperm components required for normal development. Sperm-provided SPE-11 forms a complex with the oocyte protein OOPS-1 at fertilization that mediates egg activation events. In this manuscript, we identified SPSP-1, a sperm protein that is associated with SPE-11. We found that SPSP-1 co-localizes with SPE-11 during spermatogenesis and in spermatids. SPSP-1 does not appear to play a role in egg activation like SPE-11. However, SPSP-1 is required to produce normal levels of hermaphrodite sperm and for wild-type levels of embryonic viability.
Related Concept Videos
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
Gene Regulation During Sporulation
Dosage Compensation
In addition to sexual development, the X chromosome has genes involved in autosomal functions such as brain development and the immune system. Therefore, males and females with distinct numbers of X chromosomes will have...
Meiosis I
Pleiotropy

