Drosophila - Research Paper Example

Biology Drosophila Drosophila is the best genetic model for innumerable laboratory experiments because they are small in size. They incubate without difficulty in a laboratory setting. This helps in monitoring of the growth rate and other aspects of this species in the progression of growing. They have a relatively short life cycle, which helps in swift research findings as compared to other species of flies. The drosophila qualifies to be the best for trialing because they have only four chromosomal pairs.

This makes the studies easy for the biological researchers. Additionally, the Drosophila has very large polythene chromosomes, which are located within the salivary glands of this organism. The chromosomes are also organized in an orderly manner. In this regard, the sections of darkness and light have high levels of DNA and protein especially in the chromatin. This enables researchers to observe them by use of a light microscope. According to Carter and Jennifer, the appropriate magnification for this observation customarily is 450X (34).

Incidentally, the salivary glands of Drosophila are crucial. This partly owes to the fact that these glands help in producing materials in the pupa stage of the life cycle of the Drosophila. Moreover, each dark and light band has a unique number for identification. This enhances the research work of the biological researchers. In addition, the Drosophila has some chromosomes, which have similar fundamental structures, which aids scientists to make informed deductions pertaining to the phenomenon of research.

The Drosophila also is not subject to hibernation in the event of a cold climate. Researchers can then easily access this species for studies, as opposed to other similar organisms. In this regard, they are easily found especially near ripe fruits. The other attribute that qualifies the Drosophila as the best model for laboratory experiments is that adults and larva of drosophila usually feed on yeast. Researchers are able to feed the larva on the laboratory yeast cells to make the required scientific studies within the laboratory.

The life cycle of the drosophila depends on the environment, which the Drosophila occupies. According to Smeitink, the life cycle period of the drosophila is 26 days for the Drosophila (44). This period is valid for the female, but the cycle for the male Drosophila is 33 days. The Drosophila has only four of its life cycle. This includes egg and three other larval stages. After mating, the sperm from the male is conveyed to the uterus of the female. This is contained in a spermathcare. The eggs hatch and larva grows for an approximate of four days.

This usually happens under relatively low temperatures. The larva is translucent. It becomes stress-free for the researchers to carry out the research without any difficulties. The third day of larva stage of Drosophila development marks the time when the intestines and gonads of drosophila can be observed because of their transparency. This is the time the pupa starts to form. This stage is easily noticed when extracting the salivary glands. This is followed by the darkening and hardening of the pupa.

The subjection of the pupa to sexing is done by use of the tarsal sex combs. Carter and Jennifer conjecture that the pupa stage spurns to 6 days (67). In the course of this period, metamorphosis takes place. This leads to the collapse of the larval tissues. It is only the brain and imaginary discs, which is not shed off during this stage. Then the pupa development gives rise to an adult Drosophila. The sex of the Drosophila is determined by X to autosome ratio. In this regard, a drosophila with one X and does not have a Y chromosome qualifies to be a male.

Works CitedCarter, Matt, and Jennifer Shieh. Guide to Research Techniques in Neuroscience. Burlington: Elsevier, 2009. Print.Smeitink, Jan. Oxidative Phosphorylation in Health and Disease. Georgetown, Tex., U.S.A: Landes Bioscience/Eurekah.com, 2008. Print.