<p>RNAi knockdown of <i>rbpl-1</i> results in reduced embryo number. The earlier RNAi is applied, the more severe the defects. The empty vector L4440 was used as an RNAi control. The grow temperature was 15°C. (YA = Young Adult, A = Adult). <b>b.. </b><i>rbpl-1</i> RNAi silenced hermaphrodites crossed with <i>him-5</i> males produce no more progeny than control RNAi hermaphrodites only. <b>c.</b> Adult <i>rbpl-1</i> RNAi worms show abnormal germline development. There is no difference between the <i>rbpl-1</i> RNAi and control RNAi in germline development at L3 stage. In adults, the oocytes are abnormal and reduced in <i>rbpl-1</i> worms. Some oocytes in <i>rbpl-1</i> RNAi adult possess multiple sets of chromosomes (shown in the inset) (H2B::GFP fluorescence indicates the nucleus of germ cells). Scale bar: 30 µm. <b>d.. </b><i>rbpl-1</i> RNAi in either soma or germline significantly reduces egg production. In the strain NL2098, RNAi is effective in the germline and intestine, while in the strain CB4856, RNAi is effective only in the soma. *<i>P</i><0.05.</p
