Age-associated changes in nucleic acid content in Zaprionus paravittiger

The mean life span of male and female Zaprionus paravittiger reared on corn meal agar medium at 26 +/- 2 degrees C was found to be 35 and 40 days, respectively. The DNA content showed a perpetual decline in both sexes. The RNA content also showed a continuous decline in males while in females a significant leap is found during the first 17 days followed by a steady decline until the 41st day. The study supports the concept that protein synthesis (RNA-DNA) and thus the biological expression during different phases of life, are controlled at the DNA-RNA level.