A Three-Part Laboratory Exercise Using Flightless Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster) to Study Modes of Inheritance

 

Joseph P. Chinnici & Robert Ketcham

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2008, Volume 29

Abstract

This is an inquiry-based investigation of genetic modes of inheritance using flightless Drosophila as the experimental organism. We present the three-part laboratory writeup, suitable for use as a student handout. We describe the flightless mutant strains and where they may be obtained, how to use carbon dioxide as fly anesthesia, various molecular websites for students to research the mutant genes, and helpful hints for setting up the laboratory. Practical benefits of using flightless flies include convenience in handling the organisms by inexperienced students, and reduced likelihood of flies escaping to invade other areas of the school building.

Keywords:  inheritance, Drosophila melanogaster

University of Kentucky (2007)