Ultrastructural analysis of <i>cuti-1(RNAi)</i> adults and dauer larvae.

<p>Transmission electron micrographs of N2 (A, B) and <i>daf-2(e1370)</i> worms (C, D). A, B. Adult N2 <i>C. elegans</i> fed control and <i>cuti-1</i> dsRNA respectively. In <i>cuti-1(RNAi)</i> worms electron dense material accumulated within the cuticle and vesicles or vesicle-like structures accumulated within the hypodermis (arrows) (B). <i>cuti-1(RNAi)</i> worms also tended to retain cuticle from the previous developmental stage. C, D. <i>daf-2(e1370)</i> dauers fed control and <i>cuti-1</i> dsRNA respectively. In <i>cuti-1(RNAi)</i> dauers, the epicuticle (ep) was present within the cortical layer (c) instead of at the apical surface. In addition, the cortical layer was expanded and had a granular appearance. The basal layer (b) was present, but was not striated compared with <i>control(RNAi)</i> worms. Vesicles or vesicle-like structures were also evident within the hypodermis (arrows). C, cuticle; H, hypodermis; UC, unshed cuticle. Scale bars 1 µm.