Use the Following to Answer Questions

Multiple Choice

Use the following to answer questions
In the nematode worm C. elegans loss-of-function ced-3 mutations lead to more cells than normal due to a defect in apoptosis. Loss-of-function mutations in ced-9 cause embryonic lethality due to ectopic cell deaths. The phenotype of ced-9; ced-3 double mutants is the same as ced-3 single mutants; that is, there are more cells than normal due to a defect in apoptosis. Genes ced-3 and ced-9 are known to act in the same genetic pathway.
-Which of the following statements might be TRUE about the genes ced-3 and ced-9? (Select all that apply.)

A) ced-3 encodes a caspase.
B) ced-9 encodes a caspase.
C) ced-9 encodes a functional homolog of the Drosophila gene reaper.
D) ced-3 stimulates phagocytosis of a cell in which it is expressed.
E) ced-9 activity leads to DNA degradation.