Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Quantitative Comparison of cis-Regulatory Element (CRE) Activities in Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: December 19, 2011
Sex-specific effects of cis-regulatory variants in Drosophila melanogaster
Joseph D Coolon1, William Webb, Patricia J Wittkopp
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.
Abstract:
Sexual dimorphism at the level of gene expression is common and well documented, but much less is known about how different cis-regulatory alleles interact with the different trans-regulatory environments present in males and females. Here we show that sex-specific effects of cis-regulatory variants are common in Drosophila.
Related Concept Videos
Cis-regulatory Sequences
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 Drosophila...
Position-effect Variegation
Dosage Compensation
In addition to sexual development, the X chromosome has genes involved in autosomal functions such as brain development and the immune system. Therefore, males and females with distinct numbers of X chromosomes will have...
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...
Genetic Screens
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...

