Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Live-imaging of the Drosophila Pupal Eye
Published on: January 12, 2015
The argos gene encodes a diffusible factor that regulates cell fate decisions in the Drosophila eye
M Freeman1, C Klämbt, C S Goodman
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
Abstract:
The argos gene encodes a protein that is required for viability and that regulates the determination of cells in the Drosophila eye. A developmental analysis of argos mutant eyes indicates that the mystery cells, which are usually nonneuronal, are transformed into extra photoreceptors, and that supernumerary cone cells and pigment cells are also recruited. Clonal analysis indicates that argos acts nonautonomously and can diffuse over the range of several cell diameters. Conceptual translation of the argos gene suggests that it encodes a secreted protein.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Genetic Lingo
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift
Position-effect Variegation
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
Exon Recombination
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon...

