Worm numbers

This page is intended to become a collection ground for useful and interesting numbers about C. elegans biology. These numbers include things such as the average volume and mass (calculated estimates) of an adult hermaphrodite, larval stage, or embryo. Some of these numbers are well established facts whereas others are estimations, with a description of the method for calculating or estimating provided.

Worm Volume

Embryo = ~35 picoliters

L1 larvae = ~80 picoliters

L2 larvae = ~135 picoliters

L3 larvae = ~300 picoliters

L4 larvae = ~800 picoliters

Adult hermaphrodite = ~2.2 nanoliters

Worm Mass

Assuming the worm has a density close to that of water (1 gram per milliliter) these are estimates of mass:

Embryo = ~35 nanograms

L1 larvae = ~80 nanograms

L2 larvae = ~135 nanograms

L3 larvae = ~300 nanograms

L4 larvae = ~800 nanograms

Adult hermaphrodite = ~2.2 micrograms