Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Dissection and Staining of Drosophila Larval Ovaries
Published on: May 13, 2011
Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Drosophila Oocyte Determination
Brigite Cabrita1, Rui Gonçalo Martinho1
1Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Agra do Crasto, Edifício 30, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Abstract:
Primary oocyte determination occurs in many organisms within a germ line cyst, a multicellular structure composed of interconnected germ cells. However, the structure of the cyst is itself highly diverse, which raises intriguing questions about the benefits of this stereotypical multicellular environment for female gametogenesis. Drosophila melanogaster is a well-studied model for female gametogenesis, and numerous genes and pathways critical for the determination and differentiation of a viable female gamete have been identified. This review provides an up-to-date overview of Drosophila oocyte determination, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms that regulate germ line gene expression.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Oogenesis
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...
Position-effect Variegation
Meiosis II
The timing and cell division patterns of meiosis differ between males and females. In male meiosis, the centrosomes are part of the formation of the meiotic spindle. However, in oocytes, including that of humans, Drosophila,...
Epigenetic Regulation
X-chromosome...

