Pharyngeal timing and particle transport defects in Caenorhabditis elegans feeding mutants

Abstract

The nematode C. elegans uses rhythmic contractions of its pharynx (feeding organ) to filter, transport, and crush food bacteria. Genetic analyses have identified mutants with defective pharyngeal motions, but many details of these movements and how they affect feeding are poorly understood. We use high-speed video microscopy to describe pharyngeal pumping behaviors and particle transport in feeding mutants. We find that multiple deficits in pharyngeal timing or contraction can cause defects in particle transport.