Imprecise excision of the progenitor, though sequencing of the locus failed to reveal molecular abnormalities, arguing that the defects are not present in the coding region. Significant reduction of prg mRNA in mutants is not observed.
About a quarter of prg2 homozygote embryos do not develop a cuticle at all, others display cuticular deformations (dorsal open, head involution defects). The embryos that manage to hatch give rise to sluggish larvae that die during first or second instar.
