The Fruit Fly and Why It is Used in Genetic Studies
Drosophila Melanogaster - the "Dark-Bellied Dew Lover"
Genetic Studies
Genetic markers are being sought for an ever-increasing array of illnesses. There are advantages2 in being able to spot a health issue quickly. Some of the better-known diseases associated with specific gene locations are Alzheimer's, Celiac Disease, Down's Syndrome, Hemophilia, Huntington's disease, Lou Gehrig disease, PKU disease, Progeria, Sickle-Cell Anemia, and Tay-Sachs Disease.
Why Fruit Flies?
Larvae of the fruit fly produce much saliva. That saliva possess enormous genes, hundreds of times thicker than normal, so by means of the staining process, they are easy to see and to study.
Another reason fruit flies are used is because they have such a short life span and reproduction rate. Females are quite prolific, laying the hundreds of eggs at a time, and a generation of fruit flies can be studied in a little over two weeks. This enables genetic modifications to be rapidly evaluated.
Historic Studies
Historically, fruit flies served as subjects for the study of mutations. Mutations were induced by exposure to radiation energy and the results were evaluated. It was learned, as might be expected, that almost all such mutations were harmful, not beneficial.
Current Studies
The lowly fruit fly is now undergoing some much more fascinating studies. For instance, NASA has announced, "NASA-supported researchers are going to send fruit flies to the International Space Station to learn what space travel does to the genes of astronauts."
Perhaps you prefer this truly fascinating study, conducted in Beijing, China, entitled "Unsteady aerodynamic force generation by a model fruit fly wing in flapping motion."3
Maybe you are more interested in the aging process? Then you might be interested in hearing of the University of California at San Diego study.
In Conclusion...
The next time you go to pick up a banana and see a few of the little pests take to flight, just recall that even a miniscule and insignificant fruit fly can serve one or more very useful purposes.
1 The detergent lessens the surface tension of the liquid so the flies can't land, partake of the treat , then fly away again.
2 In some cases, genetic identification has been used in ways not everyone agrees with, and for that reason, genetic studies have become a cause for concern.
3 The Journal of Experimental Biology 205, 55-70 (2002)
References & Resources:
Guardian - Fruit fly genetics
Discovery - The Skinny On... Where Fruit Flies Come From
NASA - The Fruit Fly and You
Wellcome - The Human Genome - Model organisms: The fruit fly
Published by Vincent Summers
My secular expertise includes 23 years of experience at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, with a share in NASA's extended Voyager 2 effort. I formerly wrote for Demand Studios, Bukisa, Suite 101, Exa... View profile
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17 Comments
Post a CommentI have worked with fruit flies in my laboratory classes. Great article!
Instead of wine, I use apple cider vinegar! Change it every day for best results. :)
Fascinating studies on fruit flies-great topic!
Now we know why fruit flies are used in experiments. Is there just one fruit fly though??? Any time now my neighbours' cherries will all get hit by a fruit fly. Is it the same one?
I was involved with genetics research as an undergrad in the 70's, and fruit flies were extensively utilized in our lab. Those few individuals that escaped soon had the entire wing of the building populated with their relatives. Boy was the Professor upset!
The detergent lowers the surface tension of the liquid so the flies can't stand on it, but immediately sink.
Fascinating, as usual. Bananas (or their skins in the trash) bring the nasty buggers into our house in the summer. I used a small amount of wine in a cup covered by plastic wrap with holes poked in it to attract the flies. This summer, I'm going to try your detergent method instead of the plastic wrap.
Weirdly, I've wondered about the fruit fly being used in experiments :)
I will be very happy to send some fruit flies to study.
those helpful little insects...