The use of transposable P-elements of Drosophila melanogaster for introductory genetics laboratory courses

Laboratories in introductory genetics courses often use Drosophila melanogaster as a tool for the students to understand how genes are transmitted and mapped. We demonstrate three advantages of using P-element containing inserts with the wild-type alleles of the genes to be mapped. First, inserts can be positioned at many places in the genome with relative ease; second, stocks can be chosen which have excellent viability; and third, inserts can be selected for precision in mapping with regard to marker genes. The results of a preliminary test with a beginning genetics laboratory are presented. The inserts exhibit excellent Mendelian ratios in F2 and backcross progeny and were reproducibly mapped by different student groups.