Main body and appendages have few large clumps of endochorionic material replacing the elaborate network of modified pillars. Phenotype suggests a disruption, not reduction, in amplification of the chorion genes Cp15, Cp16, Cp18, Cp19, Cp36 and Cp38.
Functional defect in the follicle cells.
Homozygous females produce eggs in which the two dorsal appendages are much reduced or absent. The chorion usually appears abnormal and vacuolated, and the eggs are collapsed. Mosaic analysis experiments produce eggs with patches of mutant chorion.
protein products absent
dec2 is not rescued by decfc177TAAG
Eggs from homozygous females take up dye when laid on medium containing neutral red. Germ line clonal analysis shows that dec-1 function is required in the soma.
The structure of the innermost chorionic layer of dec-12 mutants has been studied using electron microscopy.