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Caenorhabditis elegans roundworms are usually classified as small non-parasitic nematodes, free-living in soil with moderate environment. Such a primitive creature has only 300 neurons. However, the reproductive system of C. elegans very complex for this type of organism, device. One of the modern researchers of Caenorhabditis elegans is an American scientist Scott Emmons engaged in molecular genetics at the University of New York. He carefully studied the features of the nematode presented, as a result of which, made a number of interesting conclusions. Worms have two sexual forms – these are males and hermaphrodites. Nematodes – hermaphrodites two X chromosomes and organs typical of the genital female look systems. These worms have ovaries, a uterus, and even vulva. In the period when the nematode is in the larval stage, its the body produces sperm and then eggs. Subsequently eggs fertilized by sperm. An individual – hermaphrodite is capable of independently produce about 300 units of offspring. Concerning male nematodes, then in their structure there is only one X-type chromosome. Such worms are not capable of reproduction. offspring and can only mate.
Spiral or snake-like movement of worms is hardly possible to regard as conducive to contemplation. However the process itself The mating nematodes are surprisingly elegant. Having found a hermaphrodite, an individual the male begins to snuggle up to him with his tail, making it difficult movement. A male glides over the body of a hermaphrodite in search of genitals. At this point, all sensory neurons are activated. nematodes. It should be noted that mating for Caenorhabditis elegans is a very complex process. Usually hermaphrodites, in features, young individuals, actively resist the creeps from the side of male nematodes. To process mating proved successful, male worms forced “get around” a lot of individuals – hermaphrodites. In such circumstances, the natural question will be, why did the development and subsequent continuation of males if hermaphrodites are capable of self-fertilization and reproduction? Scott Emmons responding to this question, explained the following. Lifestyle & Nutrition C. Elegans such that hermaphrodites accumulate significant over time number of harmful genetic mutations to continue for yourself like that. So that the nematode gene pool is not in danger degradation, nature and created a variety of males. Propagating in this way, nematodes retain their gene pool. Besides Moreover, as a result of the fertilization of hermaphrodite by a male individual, the sex of the offspring is divided equally – into the light both hermaphrodites and males appear. But when self-propagating, hermaphrodite reproduces exclusively worms – hermaphrodites.
