Modelling the gonad over developmental time using the Distal Tip Cell marker .

Development is a process that occurs over time, but defects are often scored at the end point of the process being studied. We are interested in understanding the molecular basis of gonad development in and have used the Distal Tip Cell marker to develop a larval size model of gonad growth. We found that gonad length demonstrates two distinct phases relative to larval length, with a breakpoint in mid-L3 stage. We hope that this model will help determine at what point in gonad development our genes of interest act.