Germ granules are the hallmark of all germ cells. These membrane-less, electron-dense structures were first observed over 100 years ago. Today, their role in regulating and processing transcripts critical for the establishment, maintenance, and protection of germ cells is well established, and pathways outlining the biochemical mechanisms and physical properties associated with their biogenesis are emerging.
Keywords: Drosophila; Germ cells; Germ granules; Germ plasm; Nanos; Nuage; Oskar; Phase transition; RNA granules; RNA localization; RNA translation; Tudor; Vasa.
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