Embryos resulting from l(3)mbt^GM79 germ-line clones or laid by l(3)mbt^GM79/Df(3R)mbt^PE3 mothers have reduced numbers of germ cells compared to wild-type embryos. The synchrony of mitotic divisions is disrupted during cleavage stages in these embryos: There are nuclei in almost all stages of mitosis within a single embryo at a given time point, although there is some evidence of limited local synchrony. Gaps in the density of nuclei can sometimes be seen. Despite these defects, no centrosomal defects are evident and mitotic spindles appear normal.