Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

DNA-replication checkpoint control at the Drosophila midblastula transition

Article Abstract:

Rapid mititic divisions under maternal genetic control initiate embryogenesis. The zygotic control of embryogenesis happens at the midblastula transition. A study shows that grapes checkpoint 1 kinase homologue mutations in Drosophila stop morphological and biochemical changes accompanied by the midblastula transition, interfering with DNA-replication. A model for cell-cycle control at the midblastula transition where the maternal component of DNA replication induces checkpoint-dependent delay is observed.

DNA

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Disentangling giant sperm

Article Abstract:

The production of giant sperm in Drosophila bifurca and the existence of female storage organs bring in to question the reproductive benefits of these evolutionary developments. One possibility is that a conflict between females wanting sperm competition and males wanting to saturate females with their own sperm. The curling of sperm into giant pellets is also unusual and could be a transfer method to the female or could control the allocation of sperm per available female.

Research, Reproductive organs, Genitalia, Spermatozoa, Sperm

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Circadian clock in Malpighian tubules

Article Abstract:

Studies have shown that circadian rhythms in Drosophila malpighian tubules contains proteins tim (timeless) and per (period) which regulate the daily rhythms on the bodily functions. These Tim-Per heterodimers found in the secretory cells of the excretory organs of fruit flies have a pacemaking ability autonomous of the central nerve control and whose rhythm responds to and can be reset by light-dark phase shifts.

Analysis, Circadian rhythms, Biological rhythms, Biorhythms

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