Genetics, Vol. 152, 201-208, May 1999, Copyright © 1999

Sperm Competition in the Absence of Fertilization in Caenorhabditis elegans

Andrew Singsona, Katherine L. Hilla, and Steven W. L'Hernaulta
a Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322

Corresponding author: Andrew Singson, Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322, asingso{at}emory.edu (E-mail)

Communicating editor: R. K. HERMAN

Hermaphrodite self-fertilization is the primary mode of reproduction in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. However, when a hermaphrodite is crossed with a male, nearly all of the oocytes are fertilized by male-derived sperm. This sperm precedence during reproduction is due to the competitive superiority of male-derived sperm and results in a functional suppression of hermaphrodite self-fertility. In this study, mutant males that inseminate fertilization-defective sperm were used to reveal that sperm competition within a hermaphrodite does not require successful fertilization. However, sperm competition does require normal sperm motility. Additionally, sperm competition is not an absolute process because oocytes not fertilized by male-derived sperm can sometimes be fertilized by hermaphrodite-derived sperm. These results indicate that outcrossed progeny result from a wild-type cross because male-derived sperm are competitively superior and hermaphrodite-derived sperm become unavailable to oocytes. The sperm competition assays described in this study will be useful in further classifying the large number of currently identified mutations that alter sperm function and development in C. elegans.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Integr. Comp. Biol.Home page
S. C. Weeks, C. Benvenuto, and S. K. Reed
When males and hermaphrodites coexist: a review of androdioecy in animals
Integr. Comp. Biol., August 1, 2006; 46(4): 449 - 464.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 DevelopmentHome page
I. Chatterjee, A. Richmond, E. Putiri, D. C. Shakes, and A. Singson
The Caenorhabditis elegans spe-38 gene encodes a novel four-pass integral membrane protein required for sperm function at fertilization
Development, June 15, 2005; 132(12): 2795 - 2808.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Mol Biol EvolHome page
A. D. Cutter and S. Ward
Sexual and Temporal Dynamics of Molecular Evolution in C. elegans Development
Mol. Biol. Evol., January 1, 2005; 22(1): 178 - 188.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Bot.Home page
M.-E. Morand-Prieur, C. Raquin, J. A. Shykoff, and N. Frascaria-Lacoste
Males outcompete hermaphrodites for seed siring success in controlled crosses in the polygamous Fraxinus excelsior (Oleaceae)
Am. J. Botany, June 1, 2003; 90(6): 949 - 953.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 GeneticsHome page
A. Graustein, J. M. Gaspar, J. R. Walters, and M. F. Palopoli
Levels of DNA Polymorphism Vary With Mating System in the Nematode Genus Caenorhabditis
Genetics, May 1, 2002; 161(1): 99 - 107.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 GeneticsHome page
A. D. Stewart and P. C. Phillips
Selection and Maintenance of Androdioecy in Caenorhabditis elegans
Genetics, March 1, 2002; 160(3): 975 - 982.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USAHome page
M. Hanazawa, M. Mochii, N. Ueno, Y. Kohara, and Y. Iino
Use of cDNA subtraction and RNA interference screens in combination reveals genes required for germ-line development in Caenorhabditis elegans
PNAS, July 5, 2001; (2001) 141004698.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USAHome page
M. Hanazawa, M. Mochii, N. Ueno, Y. Kohara, and Y. Iino
Use of cDNA subtraction and RNA interference screens in combination reveals genes required for germ-line development in Caenorhabditis elegans
PNAS, July 17, 2001; 98(15): 8686 - 8691.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]