Why Drosophila has been used for genetic studies?

Genetic factors also make this fly an ideal model organism. D. melanogaster only has four pairs of chromosomes compared to 23 pairs in humans. This simplicity was one of the reasons why they were first used in genetic studies; Drosophila genes could be mapped easily to investigate genetic transmission.

Why is Drosophila used extensively for genetic studies?

Answer: Morgan worked with the tiny fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, which were found to be suitable for genetical studies due to the following characteristics (i) They could be grown on simple synthetic medium in the laboratory. (iii) A single mating could produce a large number of progeny flies.

How many genes are in the Drosophila genome?

The Drosophila melanogaster complete genome sequence was published in 2000. It contains 180 Mb (one third of which is centric heterochromatin) and approximately 14,000 protein-coding genes.

Has Drosophila genome been sequenced?

The Drosophila genome sequence was published in the March 24, 2000, issue of Science. The researchers report that they have sequenced 97 to 98 percent of the genome and perhaps 99 percent of the estimated 13,600 genes. Over the years, Drosophila has been one of the most influential model systems for geneticists.

How is research in flies applicable to humans?

The relationship between fruit fly and human genes? is so close that often the sequences of newly discovered human genes, including disease genes, can be matched with equivalent genes in the fly. 75 per cent of the genes that cause disease in humans are also found in the fruit fly.

What are the advantages of using Drosophila for experiments on genetics?

Advantages of using Drosophila are as follows: Small and easy to maintain. Can be raised and tested within small laboratory which does not have access time, space or funding. Contains fewer genes than humans, indicating less overall genetic redundancy.