AMPK is necessary for L1 longevity.

<p>A Percent survival of wild type (▪) and two independent <i>aak-2</i> mutants (<i>ok524</i> (gray ▴) and <i>rr48</i> (gray ♦)) after L1 starvation at 22.5°C for the indicated number of days. B DIC (Differential Interference Contrast) image of wild type gonad. The black arrow indicates the button like structure of the nucleus of a dying cell. The white arrow indicates an oocyte. C Fluorescent image of the same worm stained with acridine orange to detect cell death. The white arrow indicates the dying cell. D&F DIC images of AMPK mutant gonads. The black arrows indicate dying cells. Gonads are destroyed and no oocytes are visible. E&G Fluorescent images of the same worms stained with acridine orange reveal more dying cells (the white arrows) in the gonads of AMPK mutants. H Percent destroyed gonads in two independent <i>aak-2</i> mutants. I After 3 days of L1 starvation at 22.5°C and recovery, <i>cep-1</i> mutation partially rescued <i>aak-2</i> gonad phenotype.