FRUIT FLY

About

It is a species of fly (an insect of the order Diptera) in the family Drosophilidae. 

Its other names are lesser fruit fly, or less commonly the "vinegar fly", "pomace fly", or "banana fly".

Scientific Name

Drosophila melanogaster

Distribution

Its geographic range includes all continents, including islands.

Significance

Genetics

They are typically used in research owing to their rapid life cycle, relatively simple genetics with only four pairs of chromosomes, and large number of offspring per generation.

It's also inexpensive to breed and has a short life cycle.

Gene function 

Many of the genes that control the body pattern in Drosophila are similar to those in higher animals, including humans. Because the fly's gene set is more economical, a mutation in a single gene often directly reveals the gene's function.

Disease research 

Drosophila shares 75% of the genes that cause human diseases. It's used in research on human health and disease, including human disease modelling, drug discovery, and regenerative biology.

Evolutionary biology 

Drosophila can be used to study evolutionary advantages, such as the reproductive success of polygamous male flies.

Polygamous male fruit flies have more offspring with genetic diversity, which increases their reproductive success.

Characteristics 

Unlike humans, the sex and physical appearance of fruit flies are not influenced by hormones. The appearance and sex of fruit flies are determined only by genetic information.

They exhibit sexual dimorphism. Female fruit flies are substantially larger than male fruit flies, with females having bodies that are up to 30% larger than adult males.

They are yellow-brown, with brick-red eyes and transverse black rings across the abdomen. 

They are polygamous.

Lifespan 

Their lifespan is about 50 days from egg to death.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the Drosophila melanogaster: 

1. They share 75% of the genes that cause human diseases.
2. It is found only in the tropics.
3. The sex and physical appearance of fruit flies are highly influenced by hormones.

Which of the above statements is incorrect? 

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1, 2 and 3 only

D. None

Answer: B

Explanation: 

Statement 1 is correct:

It is a species of fly (an insect of the order Diptera) in the family Drosophilidae. 

Its other names are lesser fruit fly, or less commonly the "vinegar fly", "pomace fly", or "banana fly"

Drosophila shares 75% of the genes that cause human diseases. It's used in research on human health and disease, including human disease modelling, drug discovery, and regenerative biology.

Statement 2 is incorrect:

Its geographic range includes all continents, including islands.

Statement 3 is incorrect:

Unlike humans, the sex and physical appearance of fruit flies are not influenced by hormones. The appearance and sex of fruit flies are determined only by genetic information.