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

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.

Fertilization Signup and view all the answers

Match the characteristics to the correct Drosophila sex:

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 Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the cellularization process in Drosophila embryogenesis?

The membranes invaginate and enclose nuclei Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

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

It develops into the embryo's trunk. Signup and view all the answers

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

Maternal genes Signup and view all the answers

Segmentation genes include only gap genes and segment polarity genes.

False Signup and view all the answers

What role does bicoid mRNA play in Drosophila development?

Head development; triggers expression of hunchback gene. 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 ______.

homeosis Signup and view all the answers

Match the following gene types with their corresponding functions:

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

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

Transformation of antenna into second leg Signup and view all the answers

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

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one application of Drosophila melanogaster in drug discovery.

Neurodegenerative Diseases. Signup and view all the answers

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.