Genetics of Axis Specification in Drosophila Part 1 - Basics of Drosophila Embryogenesis
Gilbert - Chapter 9
Todays Goals
Introduce Drosophila melanogaster as a developmental biology model organism Describe key steps in Drosophila embryogenesis Introduce a groundbreaking genetic screen that was used to better understand Drosophila development
Drosophila melanogaster
Classic genetic model organism Thomas Hunt Morgan first used this organism - Early 1900s
Drosophila melanogaster
Shares many of the characteristics of a good developmental biology model organisms . . . Such as? BUT - there are a number of disadvantages . . . Embryos are REALLY tiny! Embryos are quite complex Larval stages, metamorphosis
Power of Genetics
Polytene chromosomes Ability to manipulate DNA, RNA, Protein made Drosophila a usable developmental bio model organism Revolutionized the study of development, by providing a base to study the molecular genetics of development
Early Development of Drosophila
Egg is centrolecithal After fertilization, series of superficial cleavages Blastoderm is syncytial until 13th cleavage (256 nuclei!) Nuclei begin dividing centrally, migrate toward the edges Several nuclei migrate to posterior end, form cell membranes (pole cells)
Give rise to the adult gametes What cells are like this in mammals?
Figure 23-6a
Copyright 2006 Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc.
Figure 23-6b
Copyright 2006 Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc.
Figure 23-6c
Copyright 2006 Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc.
Figure 23-6d
Copyright 2006 Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc.
Figure 23-6e
Copyright 2006 Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc.
Although nuclei share the same cytoplasm, the cytoplasm is not uniform in its makeup
Maternal molecules are distributed differently
Eventually cells will form plasma membranes and the embryo will consist of a cellular blastoderm Mid-blastula transition occurs slowly, increasing transcription of zygotic genes
Gastrulation
At MBT, gastrulation begins, forming mesoderm, endoderm, ectoderm Cells fold inward to form ventral furrow Embryo bends to from cephalic furrow Pole cells are internalized, endoderm invaginates Ectoderm converges and extends along midline to form GERM BAND
Germ Band
Wraps around the embryo As it wraps around the dorsal surface, the AP axis of the embryo is laid down Body segments begin to form At the end of germ band extension
Organs are beginning to form Body segmentation is set-up Groups of cells called imaginal discs are set aside, these cells will form adult structures
Drosophila Larvae
During metamorphosis
3 instar larvae Pupae Adult
After gastrulaiton, 1st instar larvae is formed
Has head and tail end Repeating segments along axis Generally the same type of body plan as adult
Drosophila body plan
3 thoracic segments
Each different from each other
8 abdominal segments
Each different from each other
Able to tell the difference in the larvae based on cuticle
Covering of the embryo
Correspond to the adult segments
Axis Specification
Controlled by a variety of genes Maternal effect genes Gap genes Pair-rule genes Segment polarity genes Homeotic selector genes
Genetic Screen for Genes involved in Drosophila Development
Nusslien-Volhard, Wieschaus Fed mutagens to Drosophila Then breed until mutation is homozygous recessive Examined embryos for patterning defects Used embryonic cuticles to do screens
Looked at pattern of denticles, shapes of segments
The wild-type body is segmented and each segment has a unique identity and thus produces distinctive structures
