Molecular organization of the cut locus of Drosophila melanogaster

Mutations of the cut locus (ct) of Drosophila can be divided into four groups based on their phenotypes and complementation patterns. Each group alters the phenotype of a different set of tissues. Two hundred kilobases of ct DNA, located in 7B1-2, have been cloned by chromosomal walking, and the cloned sequences have been used to analyze more than 40 mutants. Based on the location of transposable element mutations and the extent of deficiencies and an inversion, four cut locus regions can be defined. Mutations in each region affect the phenotype of a different set of tissues. The most centromere proximal region contains mutations that are null for cut locus function. Within individual regions, a higher level of organization can be detected.