Structure and Function of Nematodes

Molecular Structure of Nematodes

Complete genome of Caenorhabditis elegans sequenced ca 1995.

Back to Top

Molecular Function of Nematodes

Importance of  Caenorhabditis elegans mutants.

Back to Top

Cellular Structure of Nematodes

Polar (phospho) lipids as structural components of cell membranes.

C20 PLFAs as nematode indicators.

Realignment of polar lipids in cell membranes at basal temperature thresholds (Lyons and Thomason).

Back to Top

Cellular Function of Nematodes

Neutral lipids as storage reserves.  Van Gundy andRackham studies on lipid depletion with starvation.

Back to Top

Tissue and Organ Structure of Nematodes

Caenorhabditis elegans cell lineage.

Apoptosis-programmed cell death.

Back to Top

Tissue and Organ Function of Nematodes

Movement, Excretion, Sensory functions, reproductive functions.

Back to Top

Organismal Structure of Nematodes

Cuticle, hypodermis, muscle layers, tubular intestine and gonad.

Drawings by Charles S. Papp, CDFA

Back to Top

Organismal Function of Nematodes

Respiration, respiration as a 0.75 exponent of body weight.

Resource partitioning - gonad to body volume ratio.

Back to Top

Population Structure of Nematodes

Sex ratios, population age structure.  C. elegans aging profiles, longevity.

Back to Top

Population Function of Nematodes

Mutualism and competition, effects on fecundity.  Equilibrium densities, carrying capacity.

Back to Top

Community Structure of Nematodes

Trophic levels; positions in the soil food web.

Back to Top

Community Function of Nematodes

Regulation within the food web, mineralization, bioindicators.

Back to Top