Rare-Male Mating Advantage in Drosophilla Melanogaster, Essay Example

Abstract

The studies took place in an Ecology lab. We have conducted four different treatments on Drosophila melanogaster to answer the following question: (a)will Drosophila show positive or negative relation to the treatments? We will be using light (phototaxis), heat (thermotaxis), apple cider vinegar (chemotaxis), and caraway (chemotaxis), to induce treatment and observe Drosophila melanogaster behavior.

The results conclude through a chi-squared test that the findings are statistically significant. The overall findings that took in the Ecology lab indicate that DM has a positive phototaxis and chemotaxis behavior and will be attracted to caraway and a negative thermotaxic and chemotaxis behavior and will not be attracted to apple cider.

Introduction

Background:

According to Freeman et al, researchers have found similarities in hox genes of fruit flies such as drosophila melanogaster(DM) and humans, particularly in the sequence and order of the chromosomes (509). This is strong evidence that supports the notion that fruit flies and humans are homologous, meaning the genes are derived from a common ancestor. Rather than to face the ethical and legalities of experimentation on human subjects, tests can be performed on fruit flies to expose abnormalities. Fruit flies can be manipulated for these ends. The classic example taught in Ecology labs is the DM variant, a wingless mutant fruit fly. The time to generate a new generation makes them ideal for learning about developmental abnormalities like mutations.

Research Question:

• Fruit flies tend to be an annoyance rather than parasitic for humans as we do not suffer any kind of illness or sickness from our daily interactions. In turn, we have developed a commensal relationship with the species by obtaining lab specimens and brooding generations of mutant variants, the wingless fruit fly DM. What can be learned from the species?

Methods

Set up:

DM specimens were allowed to breed and populate over a period of five weeks at 1:2 and 2:4 ratios, this allowed an adequate population size to perform experimentation and observations. During Week 1, the original Stock of Adult DM and eggs/larvae were segregated as yeast, and sugar compounds were allocated as sustenance. After two weeks, the adults and new offspring produced additional larvae of their own. At Week 3, adults were segregated into new vials. The end result after Week 5 was a 1:4 growth factor.

Equipment:

The experimental materials used for this particular lab activity intends to introduce a treatment that is designed to observe DM behavior. Among the materials included in the apparatus are two clear tubs, two and caps and a T-joiner. There was also reducer and a vial that was used to transfer the DM between the treatments that were considered during the experiment.

Works Cited

Regan, J. (2014). Drosophila melanogaster as host model for studying the pathogenesis and host-pathogen interaction of staphylococcus aureus infection. Nova Science Publishers.

Rasmussen, D. (1979). An External Scent as the basis for Rare-Male Mating Advantage in Drosophilla Melanogaster. The American Naturalist.

Pulver, S. (et al) (2011). Why flies? Inexpensive Public Engagement Exercises to explain the value of basic biomedical research on drosophila melanogaster. Advance Studies in Physiological Education.