ISSN:
1573-8477
Keywords:
Genetic elements
;
estimate
;
senescence
;
Drosophila
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Although many different physiological and biochemical changes characterize the process of senescence, little is understood of the genetic elements that determine its age of onset. We provide here the first estimates of the number of genetic factors that extend longevity inDrosophila melanogaster. Life span was measured in F1, F2 and backcrosses of true-breeding long and short-lived stocks ofD. melanogaster, established by selection. Estimates of the number of effective factors delaying senescence range from about 0.3 to 1.5, indicating control by a single factor. The distribution of longevity shows this to arise as selection acts on the short-lived parental stock. Life span is extended at the cost of early fecundity.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02067267
