Comparative Analysis of Mutagenic Effects of Ultraviolet Irradiation on D. melanogaster between Males and Females

Overview

Objectives/Goals Ultraviolet radiation can have many effects on organisms, both acute and long-lasting. The purpose of my project was to study the effects of ultraviolet irradiation on Drosophila melanogaster, (fruit flies) and compare changes in phenotypes in males and females. I hypothesized that exposure of D. melanogaster to ultraviolet radiation, would result in a significant mutation risk and altered body morphology in subsequent generations. Methods/Materials Fruit flies were divided into two cultures labeled A and B. Culture A served as the Control while Culture B served as the Independent Variable, a group that was exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Irradiated fruit flies and their subsequent generations were examined during the four stages of development noting mutations and/or changes in body morphology. Results The results supported my hypothesis that irradiation produced mutations in fruit flies and that they were most vulnerable in the larva or pupa stage, likely because most organisms are at greater risk for defects in this stage of their development. Second generation males had an increased mutation rate and changes in eye color and body morphology when compared to females. Conclusions/Discussion I will continue this research by observing fruit flies in a microgravity environment during the embryonic development and noting changes in molecular mechanisms such as DNA, mutation rates, cell cycle, and cell death. These alterations could possibly influence physiological traits such as behavior, immunity and metabolism.

Competition history

• CSEF 2011 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology · Entry S0518

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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