Related Experiment Videos
The Drosophila zeste locus is nonessential.
M L Goldberg1, R A Colvin, A F Mellin
1Section of Genetics and Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-2703.
Genetics
|September 1, 1989
Summary
The Drosophila zeste gene is not essential for fly viability or fertility, even when completely absent. Its role in Ultrabithorax (Ubx) gene regulation appears minimal, suggesting redundancy in transcriptional control.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- The zeste gene in Drosophila melanogaster plays a role in gene regulation.
- Previous in vitro studies suggested the zeste protein activates Ultrabithorax (Ubx) transcription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate and characterize null alleles of the Drosophila zeste gene.
- To determine the essentiality of the zeste gene product for viability and fertility.
- To investigate the role of the zeste gene in Ultrabithorax (Ubx) gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Induction of mutations in the Drosophila zeste locus using diepoxybutane.
- Isolation and characterization of mutations, including multilocus deletions.
- Synthesis and analysis of female flies completely deleted for the zeste gene.
- Phenotypic analysis of zeste-deleted flies, including viability, fertility, and Ubx expression.
Main Results:
- Diepoxybutane induced 33 mutations affecting the zeste locus, with 16 involving multilocus deletions.
- Females completely deleted for zeste were successfully synthesized, though at reduced frequencies.
- Zesteless females are fertile and can produce zesteless progeny.
- Zesteless flies exhibit a wild-type Ultrabithorax (Ubx) phenotype, despite in vitro predictions.
Conclusions:
- The zeste gene product is not essential for Drosophila viability or female fertility.
- The zeste protein's role in activating Ubx transcription is either weak or redundant.
- These findings highlight the complex regulatory networks in gene expression and development.