Evolutionary significance of courtship conditioning in Drosophila melanogaster

2002 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Reif ◽  
K.Eduard Linsenmair ◽  
Martin Heisenberg
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Courtship Conditioning

A Comprehensive Study of Genic Variation in Natural Populations of Drosophila melanogaster. I. Estimates of Gene Flow from Rare Alleles

Genetics ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 115 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-322
Author(s):  
Rama S Singh ◽  
Lorenz R Rhomberg
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
West Coast ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Asian Populations ◽  
Rare Alleles ◽  
Geographic Populations ◽  
Genic Variation

ABSTRACT In order to assess the evolutionary significance of molecular variation in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster, we have started a comprehensive genetic variation study program employing a relatively large number of gene-protein loci and an array of populations obtained from various geographic locations throughout the world. In this first report we provide estimates of gene flow based on the spatial distributions of rare alleles at 117 gene loci in 15 worldwide populations of D. melanogaster . Estimates of Nm (number of migrants exchanged per generation among populations) range from 1.09 in East-Asian populations (Taiwan, Vietnam and Australia) to 2.66 in West-Coast populations of North America. These estimates, among geographic populations separated by hundreds or even thousands of miles, suggest that gene flow among neighboring populations of D. melanogaster is quite extensive. This means that, for selectively neutral genes, we should expect little differentiation among neighboring populations. A survey of eight West-Coast populations of D. melanogaster (geographically comparable to Drosophila pseudoobscura) showed that in spite of extensive gene flow, populations of D. melanogaster show much more geographic differentiation than comparable populations of D. pseudoobscura. From this we conclude that migration in combination with natural selection rather than migration alone is responsible for the geographic uniformity of molecular polymorphisms in D. pseudoobscura.

Genital coupling and copulatory wounding in Drosophila teissieri (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (12) ◽  
pp. 1437-1440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshitaka Kamimura ◽  
Hiroyuki Mitsumoto
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Dorsal Side ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Evolutionary Transitions ◽  
Paired Male ◽  
Drosophila Teissieri ◽  
Male Genital

We report genital coupling of Drosophila teissieri Tsacas, 1971, a member of the Drosophila melanogaster species subgroup. The species subgroup consists of nine described species including the model organism Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830. Despite numerous studies on the biology of this group, our understanding of the evolutionary significance of the diversity in their genital structures is limited. This study provides evidence that (i) during the copulation, which lasts 41.1 min, a paired male genital part (dorsal branches of the basal processes of the aedeagus) open after being inserted into the female reproductive tract, (ii) female D. teissieri have a pair of pockets on the dorsal side of their genitalia that receive bifurcated spines of the male genitalia (ventral branches of the basal processes of the aedeagus), and (iii) male genital parts, especially unique strong spines of the cerci, cause multiple copulatory wounds on membranous areas of the female genitalia. Within the established phylogeny of the D. melanogaster species subgroup, we discuss possible functions of and evolutionary transitions in these genital structures.

scholarly journals Genetic variation in male-induced harm in Drosophila melanogaster

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 20160105 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. S. Filice ◽  
Tristan A. F. Long
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Accessory Gland ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Male Body ◽  
Accessory Gland Proteins ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Fitness Index

In Drosophila melanogaster , prolonged exposure to males reduces the longevity and fecundity of females. This harm arises from the effects of male courtship behaviours and the toxic side effects of the accessory gland proteins (Acps) in their seminal fluids. Here, we examine the relationship between male exposure and its harmful effect on the lifetime fitness of his mates, and quantify the genetic basis for this variation. We found significant additive genetic variation in the magnitude of harm that males impose on females by exposing females to males from a variety of hemiclonal backgrounds for either a brief or prolonged period of time and measuring their fecundity, a meaningful fitness index. Furthermore, we discovered a strong negative correlation between the magnitude of harm and the short-term effects of male exposure on female fitness. We discuss the evolutionary significance of these results with regards to potential life-history trade-offs in females, and its relationship to male body size.

AN ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL CONSTRAINTS ON EXCHANGE IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER USING RECOMBINATION-DEFECTIVE MEIOTIC MUTANTS

Genetics ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Szauter
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
X Chromosome ◽  
Regional Distribution ◽  
Physical Distance ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Genetic Constitution ◽  
Crossing Over ◽  
X Chromosomes ◽  
Controlling System ◽  
Meiotic Mutations

ABSTRACT The frequency of crossing over per unit of physical distance varies systematically along the chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster. The regional distribution of crossovers in a series of X chromosomes of the same genetic constitution, but having different sequences, was compared in the presence and absence of normal genetically mediated regional constraints on exchange. Recombination was examined in Drosophila melanogaster females homozygous for either normal sequence X chromosomes or any of a series of X chromosome inversions. Autosomally, these females were either (1) wild type, (2) homozygous for one of several recombination-defective meiotic mutations that attenuate the normal regional constraints on exchange or (3) heterozygous for the multiply inverted chromosome TM2. The results show that the centromere, the telomeres, the heterochromatin and the euchromatic-heterochromatic junction do not serve as elements that respond to genic determinants of the regional distribution of exchanges. Instead, the results suggest that there are several elements sparsely distributed in the X chromosome euchromatin. Together with the controlling system affected by recombination-defective meiotic mutations, these elements specify the regional distribution of exchanges. The results also demonstrate that the alteration in the distribution of crossovers caused by inversion heterozygosity (the interchromosomal effect) results from the response of a normal controlling system to an overall increase in the frequency of crossing over, rather than from a disruption of the system of regional constraints on exchange that is disrupted by meiotic mutations. The mechanisms by which regional constraints on exchange might be established are discussed, as is the possible evolutionary significance of this system.

scholarly journals Population Genetic and Functional Analysis of a cis-Regulatory Polymorphism in the Drosophila melanogaster Metallothionein A gene

Genes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Ramnarine ◽  
Amanda Glaser-Schmitt ◽  
Ana Catalán ◽  
John Parsch
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Stress Tolerance ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
North American Population ◽  
German Population ◽  
Oxidative Stress Tolerance ◽  
Evolutionary Forces ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Although gene expression can vary extensively within and among populations, the genetic basis of this variation and the evolutionary forces that maintain it are largely unknown. In Drosophila melanogaster, a 49-bp insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphism in the Metallothionein A (MtnA) gene is associated with variation in MtnA expression and oxidative stress tolerance. To better understand the functional and evolutionary significance of this polymorphism, we investigated it in several worldwide populations. In a German population, the deletion was present at a high and stable frequency over multiple seasons and years, and was associated with increased MtnA expression. There was, however, no evidence that the polymorphism was maintained by overdominant, seasonally fluctuating, or sexually antagonistic selection. The deletion was rare in a population from the species’ ancestral range in sub-Saharan Africa and is likely the result of non-African admixture, suggesting that it spread to high frequency following the species’ out-of-Africa expansion. Using data from a North American population, we found that the deletion was associated with MtnA expression and tolerance to oxidative stress induced by menadione sodium bisulfite. Our results are consistent with the deletion being selectively favored in temperate populations due to the increased MtnA expression and oxidative stress tolerance that it confers.

scholarly journals Spectroscopic evidence for the uneven distribution of adenine and uracil residues in ribosomal ribonucleic acid of Drosophila melanogaster and of Plasmodium knowlesi and its possible evolutionary significance

1976 ◽  
Vol 155 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
R A Cox ◽  
E Godwin ◽  
J R Hastings
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Plasmodium Knowlesi ◽  
Nucleotide Composition ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Parasite Plasmodium ◽  
Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid ◽  
Principal Species ◽  
Polynucleotide Chain ◽  
Hypochromic Effect

RNA was isolated from subribosomal particles of the malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi. The nucleotide composition (mole fraction) of the principal species was obtained (S-rRNA, 0.295A, 0.36U, 0.25G, 0.105C: L-rRNA, 0.326A, 0.31U, 0.228G, 0.144C). Ribosomal RNA was also isolated from Drosophila melanogaster. Optical properties of these A + U-rich species were measured. In all four cases analysis of the hypochromic effect revealed that adenine and uracil residues tended to form clusters along the polynucleotide chain. A substantial fraction of residues was located in bihelical regions of approx. 50% G-C base pairs or in regions of approx. 30-35% G-C base pairs. The possible evolutionary significance of these results was considered on the basis of comparison with properties of rRNA from bacteria (Escherichia coli) and a mammal (rabbit reticulocyte).

scholarly journals The fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster contains a novel charged adipokinetic-hormone-family peptide

1990 ◽  
Vol 269 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
M H Schaffer ◽  
B E Noyes ◽  
C A Slaughter ◽  
G C Thorne ◽  
S J Gaskell
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Fast Atom Bombardment ◽  
General Structure ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Adipokinetic Hormone ◽  
Physiological Conditions ◽  
Fast Atom Bombardment Ionization ◽  
Three Body ◽  
Adipokinetic Hormone Family

A member of the RPCH/AKH (red-pigment-concentrating hormone/adipokinetic hormone) family of arthropod neuropeptides was identified in the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster, and its structure was determined by automated Edman degradation and m.s. using fast-atom-bombardment ionization and a tandem hybrid instrument capable of high sensitivity. The sequence of this peptide, which we call ‘DAKH’, is pGlu-Leu-Thr-Phe-Ser-Pro-Asp-Trp-NH2 (where pGlu is pyroglutamic acid and Trp-NH2 is tryptophan carboxyamide). H.p.l.c. analyses of extracts of the three body segments revealed that more than 80% of the peptide is contained in the thorax. Although DAKH is typical of family members in its general structure and distribution in the animal, it is unique in containing a residue which is charged under physiological conditions. The evolutionary significance of this change is considered.

scholarly journals Mushroom Body Ablation Impairs Short-Term Memory and Long-Term Memory of Courtship Conditioning in Drosophila melanogaster

Neuron ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 967-977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean M.J McBride ◽  
Giovanna Giuliani ◽  
Catherine Choi ◽  
Paul Krause ◽  
Dana Correale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Mushroom Body ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Courtship Conditioning

scholarly journals Octopamine release impairs courtship conditioning in Drosophila melanogaster

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Chartove ◽  
Mengxi Cici Zhang ◽  
Edward Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Aversive Stimulus ◽  
Courtship Behavior ◽  
Subsequent Decrease ◽  
Odor Conditioning ◽  
Courtship Conditioning

Octopamine is known to have an appetitive role in odor conditioning paradigms in Drosophila melanogaster. We sought to test whether octopamine could also act as an appetitive stimulus in courtship conditioning, a paradigm in which training with an unreceptive female (such as a decapitated virgin) causes a subsequent decrease in courtship behavior in male Drosophila. To control octopamine release, we used the Tdc2-Gal4 and UAS-dTRPa1 genes in conjunction to depolarize octopaminergic neurons at 27 C in experimental flies. We hypothesized that inducing octopamine release during courtship training would decrease the aversive impact of training and cause less subsequent suppression of courtship behavior. Our findings confirmed this hypothesis: Tdc2-Gal4/UAS-dTRPa1 flies trained at 27 degrees showed significantly more courtship behavior than controls during testing, and in fact showed no significant effect of courtship training. This confirms that octopamine release counteracts the aversive stimulus of failure to copulate, indicating that octopamine may have an appetitive role in courtship.

scholarly journals copia expression is variable among natural populations of Drosophila.

Genetics ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 375-385
Author(s):  
A K Csink ◽  
J F McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Copy Number ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Drosophila Simulans ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Copy Number Analysis ◽  
Transcript Levels ◽  
Phylogenetic Pattern ◽  
Drosophila Mauritiana

Abstract A survey of copia (retroviral-like element) expression in flies representing 37 populations worldwide of Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila simulans and Drosophila mauritiana demonstrates that, although copia elements are present in all three species, copia-encoded transcripts are detectable only in D. melanogaster. Levels of copia transcripts vary nearly 100-fold among flies representing geographically diverse populations of D. melanogaster and this variation is not correlated with variability in copia copy number. Analysis of transcript levels in interpopulation hybrids demonstrates that much of this variability may be attributable to the action of trans-acting controls. The geographic and phylogenetic pattern of copia expression suggests that moderate to high levels of copia expression may be a relatively recent evolutionary acquisition. The potential evolutionary significance of these findings is discussed.

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