Transient component of P-granule which is involved in germline development. Interacts with pgl-1 and pgl-3; association with either pgl-1 or pgl-3 is not required for P-granule localization. Localizes to P granules only during postembryonic development. Highly expressed in the germline. Expressed in all embryos during the early cleavage stages until the 100- and 200-cell stage, after which, expression diminishes. During larval development, first expressed in L1 larvae, but it is not highly expressed in the germline. Expression in the germline increases at later larval stages. Viable, and not temperature sensitive. Triple knockout with pgl-1 and pgl-3 results in 58% of progeny arresting as late embryos and 5% as larvae at 26 degrees Celsius.