ISSN:
1573-6857
Keywords:
Drosophila melanogaster
;
cuticular structures
;
larvae
;
yellow gene
;
locomotor behavior
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The yellow (y) mutation of Drosophila melanogaster affects the development of behavior and morphology. We have analyzed some behavioral and morphological parameters during the development of y mutants. Wild-type third instar larvae move in straighter paths than larvae of the same age homozygous for the y mutation. At 96 h of age, the tracks of y larvae have 10 times as many loops as tracks of wild-type larvae, and at 120 h of age, y larvae show bending behavior about 2.5 times more frequently than do wild-type. Consequently, they do not disperse as much as wild-type larvae. Concomitant with the behavioral changes, the larvae present a defect in the morphology of large chaetae in the larval denticle belts, particularly of 2nd and 3rd instars, both with light and scanning electron microscopes. These results suggest that a cuticular defect is probably involved in the abnormal locomotor activity observed in y larvae of Drosophila melanogaster.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00054627
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