Biology

What is migration? The conversion of stationary epithelial cells into migratory, invasive cells, which is important for normal embryonic development. How do cells achieve this? Cells that are part of a stable epithelium lose their cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions that hold them together and acquire a less rigidly polarised morphology and break away from their neighbours. Forward genetic analysis This involves uncovering the genetic basis behind a particular phenotype. Mutant lines are screened for specific defects in the process of interest. Molecular, cellular and chemical characterisation of the affected genes and proteins is then carried out. Reverse genetics: manipulating genes and studying their effect on phenotypes ...

The Sex Peptide in Drosophila melanogaster melSP is a component of the seminal fluid that induces post mating responses in Drosophila females. It is gradually released by proteolytic cleavage and induces several long-term postmating responses What does this entail? SP acts on internal sensory neurons expressing pickpocket(ppk). These then induce PMR. Classic Post Mating responses elevated egg-laying reluctance to further mating altered dietary preference(high protein:carbohydrate interference) - (testing nutrient deficient flies by activating this group of neurons?) ...