The level of MAU-2 was examined in the germline mutants
glp-4(
bn2ts),
fem-3(
q20ts) and
fem-2(
b245ts) compared with the wild type. The level of MAU-2 in germline mutants is similar to the wild type, indicating that MAU-2 is not particularly enriched in the germline. Thus, the maternal
mau-2 product that is provided to the zygote via the oocyte appears to be principally RNA. Maternally contributed
mau-2 mRNA is probably responsible for the maternal rescue effect observed with
mau-2 mutations.