Drosophila Genetics and Development Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason Drosophila is used as a model organism in biotechnology research?

  • Small and easy to handle
  • Fully sequenced genome
  • High pathogenicity (correct)
  • Short-generation lifetime

Drosophila has a complex life cycle consisting of fertilized eggs, larva, pupa, and adult.

True (A)

What are the three general steps of Drosophila development?

Embryogenesis, Pattern Formation, Homeotic genes

The embryogenesis stage of Drosophila begins with __________, which triggers mitosis in the embryo.

<p>Fertilization</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the characteristics to the correct Drosophila sex:

<p>Presence of distinct black patch at the abdomen = Male Absence of sex combs = Female Presence of claspers surrounding the anus = Male Absence of a distinct black patch at the abdomen = Female</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the cellularization process in Drosophila embryogenesis?

<p>The membranes invaginate and enclose nuclei (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sex combs are present on the first leg of female Drosophila.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'germ band' in Drosophila development?

<p>It develops into the embryo's trunk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following classes of genes is involved in embryonic patterning in Drosophila?

<p>Maternal genes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Segmentation genes include only gap genes and segment polarity genes.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does bicoid mRNA play in Drosophila development?

<p>Head development; triggers expression of hunchback gene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Homeotic genes in Drosophila are associated with the transformation of one structure into the homologous structure of another body segment, a process known as ______.

<p>homeosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following gene types with their corresponding functions:

<p>Maternal genes = Control embryonic patterning Segmentation genes = Define body segment patterns Homeotic genes = Determine segment identity Bicoid = Triggers hunchback expression</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a dominant mutation in the Antennapedia (ANTP) gene?

<p>Transformation of antenna into second leg (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hox genes are not related to the order of segments they affect along the anterio-posterior axis.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one application of Drosophila melanogaster in drug discovery.

<p>Neurodegenerative Diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Homeotic Genes

A group of genes that control the development of the body's segments by regulating the expression of other genes, ensuring each segment develops its unique identity.

Homeosis

A type of homeotic gene mutation that causes one body part to transform into another, for example, replacing antennae with legs.

Homeobox

A 180-nucleotide sequence within homeotic genes crucial for regulating gene expression and specifying segment identity.

Hunchback Gene

A gene involved in the development of the head and thorax regions in fruit flies, its expression is influenced by maternal factors like Bicoid and Nanos.

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Gap Genes

These genes are part of the 'gap' class of segmentation genes, and their expression is regulated by hunchback protein concentration, creating regions along the embryo.

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Pair-rule genes

These genes are part of the 'pair-rule' class of segmentation genes, and their expression is arranged in stripes along the embryo, defining alternating segments.

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Segment Polarity Genes

These genes are the final class of segmentation genes, and their expression defines the anterior-posterior (head-to-tail) axis of each segment, ensuring proper polarity.

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HOX-genes

A complex of homeotic genes located on the chromosome in the same order as the segments they control along the body axis, demonstrating a remarkable connection between gene order and body segment identity.

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Why are Drosophila used as model organisms?

They are small and easy to handle, have a short generation time, and can be bred in large numbers at low cost. Their genome has been fully sequenced, making them ideal for genetic research.

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What is sexual dimorphism in Drosophila?

They have distinct differences in appearance between the sexes, making them easy to identify.

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What is the general life cycle of Drosophila?

The life cycle of Drosophila starts with a fertilized egg, develops through larval and pupal phases, and culminates in the emergence of an adult fly.

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What is embryogenesis in Drosophila?

The process of development from a fertilized egg to a mature organism. In Drosophila, it involves several critical steps: fertilization, nuclear divisions, cell formation, and the establishment of body axes.

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What is pattern formation in Drosophila?

The process of defining the body plan, including the arrangement of body segments and the development of specific organs. It is regulated by a complex network of genes, including homeotic genes.

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What are homeotic genes in Drosophila?

Genes that control the identity of body segments. Mutations in homeotic genes can lead to dramatic changes in body plan, such as legs growing in place of antennae.

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What is fertilization in Drosophila?

The process of fertilization is the first step in embryogenesis. It triggers mitotic division in the fertilized egg, initiating development.

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What are the early stages of Drosophila embryogenesis?

The early embryo undergoes rapid nuclear divisions without cell division, forming a syncytial blastoderm. This is followed by cellularization, where cells are formed, and the body axes are defined.

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Study Notes

Drosophila as a Model Organism

  • Small and easy to handle
  • Sexual dimorphism (males and females are different)
  • Non-pathogenic
  • Short generation time
  • Inexpensive to culture
  • Fully sequenced genome, molecular, genetic, and bioinformatics tools readily available, improving translational utility

Distinguishing Drosophila Sex

  • Male: Distinct black patch on abdomen, sex combs on the first leg tarsus, claspers
  • Female: Absence of black patch, sex combs, and claspers

Drosophila Life Cycle

  • Holometabolous development
  • Fertilized egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult

Drosophila Development Steps

  • Embryogenesis: Fertilization initiates mitosis, nuclei migrate to embryo surface forming a syncytial blastoderm, then cells divide in a cellular blastoderm through gastrulation, important for ventral furrow formation and mesoderm development
  • Pattern Formation: This complex process relies on three classes of genes: maternal, segmentation, and homeotic

Maternal Genes

  • Bicoid mRNA: Triggers hunchback gene expression, crucial for head development
  • Nanos mRNA: Inhibits hunchback gene expression, important for tail development

Segmentation Genes

  • Hunchback gene: Regulates gap gene expression, specifies the anterior structures by concentration-dependent patterns
  • Gap genes, pair-rule, segment polarity genes: Regulate and define the embryo pattern, establishing segments. Segment polarity genes in particular define the antero-posterior axis

Homeotic Genes

  • Homeosis: Transformation of one body structure into another (homologous structure of another body segment)
  • Homeotic Genes in Drosophila: Crucial for correct segment differentiation, containing homeobox sequences, homeosis mutations alter the body structure of the embryo.
  • Antennapedia (ANTP): A prime example where mutations result in transformed antennal structures becoming additional legs.

Drosophila in Drug Discovery

  • Applications: The fruit fly is useful for research in various disease models, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, cancers, cardiovascular, and immunologic diseases.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of Drosophila as a model organism. This quiz covers key aspects such as sexual dimorphism, life cycle stages, and critical developmental processes in the fruit fly. Perfect for students studying genetics or developmental biology.

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