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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
07:49
Preparation of Adult Drosophila Eyes for Thin Sectioning and Microscopic Analysis
Published on: August 27, 2011
Mutations on the second chromosome affecting the Drosophila eye
N E Baker1, K Moses, D Nakahara
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
Journal of Neurogenetics
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Researchers identified 14 genes on Drosophila's second chromosome that are crucial for eye development. These genes regulate ommatidia organization, cell differentiation, and retinal architecture, impacting eye formation and preventing degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cell interactions guide eye development in Drosophila.
- Understanding genetic control of ommatidia formation is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes affecting Drosophila eye development.
- To characterize mutations impacting ommatidia organization and retinal architecture.
Main Methods:
- Extensive mutagenesis screens in Drosophila.
- Analysis of adult eye sections.
- Immunocytochemistry of imaginal discs.
Main Results:
- Fourteen second chromosome loci identified.
- Mutations affect precluster spacing, cell differentiation, and ommatidia orientation.
- Observed retinal degeneration and homeotic transformations.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors significantly influence Drosophila eye development.
- These genes are vital for proper retinal architecture and function.
- Further research can explore these genes' roles in cell signaling and pattern formation.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Genetic Lingo
Overview
01:19X-linked Traits
In most mammalian species, females have two X sex chromosomes and males have an X and Y. As a result, mutations on the X chromosome in females may be masked by the presence of a normal allele on the second X. In contrast, a mutation on the X chromosome in males more often causes observable biological defects, as there is no normal X to compensate. Trait variations arising from mutations on the X chromosome are called “X-linked”.
02:32Position-effect Variegation
In 1928, a German botanist Emil Heitz observed the moss nuclei with a DNA binding dye. He observed that while some chromatin regions decondense and spread out in the interphase nucleus, others do not. He termed them euchromatin and heterochromatin, respectively. He proposed that the heterochromatin regions reflect a functionally inactive state of the genome. It was later confirmed that heterochromatin is transcriptionally repressed, and euchromatin is transcriptionally active chromatin.
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s 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...
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...
02:32X and Y Chromosomes
Among mammals, the gender of an organism is determined by the sex chromosomes. Humans have two sex chromosomes, X and Y. Every human diploid cell has 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. A human female has two X chromosomes, while a male has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.
The germline cells such as egg and sperm cells carry only half the number of chromosomes, i.e., 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome. All eggs have an X chromosome, while sperm cells can carry an X or...
The germline cells such as egg and sperm cells carry only half the number of chromosomes, i.e., 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome. All eggs have an X chromosome, while sperm cells can carry an X or...
02:45The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...