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Fruit Fly Lab Report

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Title: Locating a Mutant Gene in Its Chromosome Using a Drosophila Model

Abstract: Genetics is the study of genes, heredity and variation in living organism. It is important in understanding how heritable traits are passed down from one generation to another. Here in this study, the identification of a particular mutation was explored by discovering how it is transmitted and where it is located. Drosophila melanogaster, a species of fruit flies, was the model used to illustrate the process of gene inheritance. Virgin female fruit flies were collected over a span of two- three weeks and crossed with balancer chromosome male fruit flies. The progeny, also known as the F1 generation, was then used to perform a test cross. The test cross was done between an F1 male and a virgin female from the parental generation. The results of the test cross, determined the mutation as well as which chromosome it was located on.

Introduction: When studying the principles of genetics, an ideal model organism used is the Drosophila …show more content…

The mutation of these flies were unknown. This vial served as the parental generation. The parents were left to mate and then transferred to a new a vial. Virgin females were then collected and kept in a separate vial. The female virgins were then crossed with balancer chromosome male flies.

The progeny of this cross were known at the F1 generation. Phenotypes seen in this cross were recorded. Males from this cross were collected. A male that with a different phenotype from the mutation in the mutant flies was selected. (If the mutation in the mutant flies is white-eye, a male without an eye mutation is selected.) The selected male from the F1 generation is then crossed with a virgin female from the parental generation. After which, the phenotypes seen were recorded and used to determine which chromosome the mutation is located on and what the mutation is.

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