Mutations Affecting Programmed Cell Deaths in the Nematode <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> s

Abstract

Mutations in two nonessential genes specifically block the phagocytosis of cells programmed to die during development. With few exceptions, these cells still die, suggesting that, in nematodes, engulfment is not necessary for most programmed deaths. Instead, these deaths appear to occur by cell suicide.