Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
10:00
Measurement of Lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: January 7, 2013
35.5K
Microbial Quantity Impacts Drosophila Nutrition, Development, and Lifespan
Erin S Keebaugh1, Ryuichi Yamada1, Benjamin Obadia2
1Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Center on Aging, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
Iscience
|September 22, 2018
Summary
Microbial quantity predicts fly longevity during malnutrition. Microbes act as a protein-rich food source, enhancing nutrition and promoting development and lifespan, even when dead.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Microbial associations in Drosophila can influence host development and lifespan.
- The role of microbes during periods of host malnutrition remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of microbial association on Drosophila longevity and development during malnutrition.
- To determine if microbial quantity or specific microbial strains are key determinants of beneficial effects.
Main Methods:
- Drosophila melanogaster were subjected to malnutrition (low-protein diet).
- Various microbial species were inoculated at different quantities.
- Lifespan, larval growth, and microbial colonization were assessed.
Main Results:
- Microbial quantity was a significant predictor of fly longevity under malnutrition.
- Abundant microbial presence, regardless of species, could rescue lifespan on a low-protein diet.
- Microbes, viable or not, mimicked dietary protein, suggesting they serve as a protein source.
- Microbial strains that thrived in the culture medium also enhanced larval growth.
Conclusions:
- Microbial quantity is a critical factor influencing Drosophila physiology and lifespan during undernutrition.
- Microbes enhance host nutrition by providing essential protein, acting as a food source.
- A diverse range of microbial species can promote fly development and longevity when present in sufficient amounts.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Microbial Nutrition
1.3K
Organisms exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, categorized based on how they acquire energy and carbon. These strategies enable survival in various ecological niches and are essential for maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling within ecosystems.Energy and Carbon SourcesOrganisms are classified as phototrophs or chemotrophs based on energy acquisition. Phototrophs use light as their energy source, while chemotrophs rely on oxidizing chemical compounds. Further differentiation arises...
1.3K
02:11The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
47.4K
Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
47.4K
01:14Base Quantities and Derived Quantities
26.3K
In any system of units, the units for some physical quantities must be specified through a measurement process. These measurements are the base quantities of the system, and their units are the base units of the system. The algebraic combinations of the base values can then be used to express all other physical quantities. Each of these physical quantities is then referred to as a derived quantity, with each unit being referred to as a derived unit.
The International Organization for...
The International Organization for...
26.3K
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
920
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
920
01:05Estimation of the Physical Quantities
7.8K
On many occasions, physicists, other scientists, and engineers need to make estimates of a particular quantity. These are sometimes referred to as guesstimates, order-of-magnitude approximations, back-of-the-envelope calculations, or Fermi calculations. The physicist Enrico Fermi was famous for his ability to estimate various kinds of data with surprising precision. Estimating does not mean guessing a number or a formula at random. Instead, estimation means using prior experience and sound...
7.8K
01:19Impact of Groups on Groups
250
Social psychologists analyze how groups influence one another, shaping social structures and interactions through both cooperation and competition. These dynamics manifest in various ways, ranging from economic partnerships to intergroup conflicts that shape societal structures and perceptions.Cooperation and Competition in Intergroup RelationsIntergroup relationships vary across contexts, sometimes fostering cooperation and mutual benefit while at other times leading to conflict and...
250