The Genetics and Cell Biology of Fertilization - Caenorhabditis Elegans: Molecular Genetics and Development - page 364

the important physical interactions between gametes and the somatic germ line
suggest that this approach may not be feasible.
Insights gained from the study of fertilization in C. elegans will also increase our
understanding of diverse reproductive strategies and those mechanisms relevant to
molecular evolution and speciation. The recent sequencing projects of other nem-
atode species ( Bird et al., 2005; Ghedin et al., 2007; Mitreva et al., 2005 ) and
baseline spe gene phenotypic data ( Geldziler et al., 2006 ) should enable this work
to progress quickly.
C. elegans remains an extremely useful organismwith which to study the nature of
fertilization. An integrated approach to the analysis of fertilization that combines
molecular genetic and cell biological worm techniques with the more traditional
antibody-based and biochemical methods will continue to further our understanding
of this most fascinating and fundamental process.

Acknowledgments
The authors thank Lisa Caiafa and members of the Singson Laboratory for helpful discussions,
critical comments and advice. The authors also specifically wish to thank Pavan Kadandale, Indrani
Chatterjee, and Rika Maruyama for assistance with figures, Penny Sadler for sharing unpublished
spermatogenesis insights, and Alissa Richmond for immunostaining micrographs and unpublished
sperm-oocyte fusion insights. The Singson Laboratory is supported by a grant from the NIH (R01
HD054681). The Shakes laboratory is supported by a grant from the NIH (R15 GM060359-02) to
Diane C. Shakes.

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