excess intestinal cells

Animals contain an excess number of intestinal cells compared to control. In C. elegans, intestinal cells are derived from E-blastomere. The overproduction of intestinal tissues is a result of other blastomeres adopting an E-like fate or excess cell proliferation in the E lineage.

excretory cell development variant

Variations in the progression of a protokidney cell with an internal lumen that is suggested to collect and secrete salt solutions outward via the excretory sinus, over time from an initial condition to a later condition compared to control animals.

E lineage variant

The descendants of the E blastomere exhibit altered developmental programs compared to their counterparts in control animals.

D lineage variant

The descendants of the D blastomere exhibit any variation in developmental programs compared to their counterparts in control animals.

no Intestine

Embryos fail to generate cells that exhibit intestinal specification. In C. elegans, the E blastomere is the precursor of all the intestinal cells.

excretory secretory system morphology variant

Variations in the form, structure or composition of related tissues that allow the animal to secrete saline fluid and maintain a proper salt balance compared to control. In C. elegans, four cell types (1 pore cell, 1 duct cell, 1 canal cell and a fused pair of gland cells) make up the excretory system (Wormatlas).

aberrant posteriorly-directed neurite

Any neurite that is extended towards the posterior of the animal from neurons that in wild-type animals make only anterior projections (e.g. D-type neurons in C. elegans).

population fitness phenotype

Populations exhibit variations in the ability to survive, grow and reproduce, thus affecting the contribution to the gene pool over generations compared to control populations. In C. elegans the fitness of a population can by assessed by measuring the rate at which E. coli is consumed.