Laboratory Activity 3 Variations in Drosophila Melanogaster

Fernando, Clarence M.
Laboratory Activity 3
I. Objectives: At the end of the activity, the students should be able to:
1. Explain and justify why fruit flies are considered ideal specimens for genetic study,
2. Identify the different features that distinguish a male from a female fruit fly, and
3. Appreciate the different strains of fruit flies.
II. Activity sheet: Provide your references.
II.1 Sexual difference in D. melanogaster (Provide photo)
FEATURES FEMALE Male
a. Over-all size
Smaller
Larger
b. Color of the posterior end
Not have Have a dark area.

a dark area.
c. Banding on the abdomen
Longer Few
stripes.
abdomen and more stripes.
d. Sex comb on the forelegs
In males, the sex comb looks like a

Absent in Female. black drop.
e. The shape of the tip of the

abdomen
Stubbier and have darker skin

Less stubby and have light skin tones. tones.
f. External reproductive organ
Sex comb.
Saw-like
ovipositor.
Actual specimen:
Features Wild-type Ebony White-eyed
1.Eye Color
Red Eyes Dark-brown or Black Eyes White Eyes
2. Bristle
Forked.
Normal bristle
Can have both
Darker Body
3. Body
Color
4. Wing
Structured
Normal-winged
Short-winged
Normal-winged
5. Head
Shape
Segmented / Normal Leg-like antenna

antenna Segmented/ Normal
antenna
II.3 Questions (Use journals in answering these and remember to cite your references.)
1. List down factors to consider in choosing a test organism for genetic study.
-Interpretability of Findings:
Evaluate how simple it is for medical experts and research participants to understand and
discuss the test results.
-Practical Use:
Consider whether the test results offer useful data for risk assessment, treatment planning,
or clinical decision-making.
-Specificity and Sensitivity:

Assess the test's sensitivity and specificity for accurately identifying real positives and true
negatives.
-Expense-effectiveness:
Compare the value of the information obtained with the total cost of the genetic test.
-Technical Framework:
Genetic test's technique and whether it fits the goals of the research.
-Validity in Clinical Practice

-Availability and Accessibility
Every one of these elements is important to consider when choosing a genetic test for a
study.
2. Explain or justify why Drosophila is considered the best specimen for genetic study.
Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly, is considered an ideal specimen for
genetic studies for several reasons. Firstly, they are cost-effective to produce, reproduce
rapidly, and possess large chromosomes, facilitating research processes. The fruit flies can be
efficiently cultured at an accelerated pace through the application of heat, contributing to the
ease of experimental manipulation. The presence of human homologs for many fruit fly genes
suggests functional comparability, allowing insights into genetic functions that may be relevant
to humans. Moreover, the easily observable and distinct morphologies and features of fruit flies
simplify the identification of genetic changes, aiding researchers in tracking and understanding
variations. Over decades of research, a multitude of genetic tools, including balancer
chromosomes, mutant strains, and molecular markers, have been developed specifically for
Drosophila, enhancing the efficiency and precision of genetic studies involving this model
organism.
2. Give at least 5 distinguishing characteristics of fruit flies.
Boasting a short lifecycle of approximately 10-14 days, Drosophila melanogaster, the

fruit fly, serves as an exceptional model organism for genetic studies. Their small size
(around 2-3 millimeters) facilitates easy handling and efficient use of laboratory space.
Coupled with a high reproductive rate, where females can lay hundreds of eggs, fruit
flies allow for the generation of a large number of offspring for genetic analyses. The
fruit fly's genome is relatively simple, containing around 14,000 genes, making it
manageable for the identification and study of specific genetic functions. Moreover,
these flies exhibit easily observable morphological features, such as eye color, wing
shape, and body bristle patterns, which simplify the identification and tracking of
genetic variations and mutations in experiments. These combined characteristics
underscore the fruit fly's significance as a valuable model for investigating fundamental
principles of genetics and developmental biology
3. Describe briefly each stage in the life cycle of fruit flies.
There are four stages of melanogaster:
1. Egg Stage: After being laid, the eggs hatch in a day or two.
2. Stage of Larva: This phase lasts for five days.
3. Pupa Stage: D goes through a metamorphosis during this four-day stage. melanogaster,
resulting in the emergence of legs and wings.
4. Adult Stage: The female Drosophila fly mates with the male within 8–12 hours of
emergence when she becomes receptive.
4. Give at least 5 Dos and Don'ts in culturing fruit flies.

Dos
1.Provide a Medium Rich in Nutrients:

Use a nutrient-rich, balanced medium for the best possible fruit fly growth.
2. Preserve the Ideal Temperature:

Fruit flies should be cultured at about 25°C for effective reproduction.
3.Transfer Flies Frequently:

Relocate the flies to new vials regularly to avoid congestion.
4.Employ Appropriate Containers:

To guarantee airflow, use containers with enough ventilation.
5.Maintain Clean Culture Areas:

To avoid contamination and guarantee a healthy populace, keep everything clean.
5 Don’t’s
1. Prevent Crowding:
Keep vials from becoming too crowded to reduce stress and competition for resources.
2. Never Forget About Hygiene:

Maintain hygiene to prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria.
3.Steer clear of extreme temperatures:

Avoid excessive temperatures since they may have an adverse effect on development.
4.Don't Forget to Monitor:

Keep a close eye on the population, reproduction, and general health.
5.Steer clear of tainted food:

To keep fruit flies healthy, feed them only clean, fresh food.
References : Drosophila melanogaster specimens (females left, males | Open-i (nih.gov)
Drosophila phenotypes - BSCI 1511L Statistics Manual - Research Guides at Vanderbilt

University
Organic management of spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) in small fruit production systems |
Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium (smallfruits.org)
Drosophila Melanogaster in Genetics Outline D melanogaster Definition (slidetodoc.com)
Drosophila melanogester | PPT (slideshare.net)

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Fernando, Clarence M.

FEATURES FEMALE Male

b. Color of the posterior end

Not have Have a dark area.

c. Banding on the abdomen

In males, the sex comb looks like a

e. The shape of the tip of the

Stubbier and have darker skin

f. External reproductive organ

Red Eyes Dark-brown or Black Eyes White Eyes

Segmented / Normal Leg-like antenna

-Specificity and Sensitivity:

-Validity in Clinical Practice

2. Give at least 5 distinguishing characteristics of fruit flies.

Boasting a short lifecycle of approximately 10-14 days, Drosophila melanogaster, the

3. Describe briefly each stage in the life cycle of fruit flies.

There are four stages of melanogaster:

2. Stage of Larva: This phase lasts for five days.

4. Give at least 5 Dos and Don'ts in culturing fruit flies.

1.Provide a Medium Rich in Nutrients:

2. Preserve the Ideal Temperature:

3.Transfer Flies Frequently:

4.Employ Appropriate Containers:

5.Maintain Clean Culture Areas:

2. Never Forget About Hygiene:

3.Steer clear of extreme temperatures:

4.Don't Forget to Monitor:

5.Steer clear of tainted food:

References : Drosophila melanogaster specimens (females left, males | Open-i (nih.gov)

Drosophila phenotypes - BSCI 1511L Statistics Manual - Research Guides at Vanderbilt

Drosophila Melanogaster in Genetics Outline D melanogaster Definition (slidetodoc.com)

Drosophila melanogester | PPT (slideshare.net)

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