Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Response to Elevated Oxygen in Drosophila Melanogaster

The activity of three oxido-reductases that protect cells against free radicals were monitored in adult Drosophila melanogaster as a function of age in normal and 50% oxygen atmospheres. Difficulties in the logistics of organism maintenance and the need to extend analysis to the end of the lifespan required modifications and proportional reduction of volumes in standard assay techniques. Enzyme responses in two different wild type subcultures were identical. Peroxidase activity was not detected. Maintenance in higher oxygen affected the specific acitivity of catalase, especially in adults raised completely in the 50% atmosphere, but neither catalase nor superoxide dismutase showed evidence of induction beyond the normal level. The lack of increased production of these protective oxido-reductases in an environment presumed to produce more free radicals may be responsible for the reduced lifespan of Drosophila in the 50% oxygen atmosphere.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biology

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

1985

Author dc:creator

• David, Thomas Richard

Contributors dc:contributor

• Albert Gordon

• Biology

Statement dc:rights

• © Thomas Richard David

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/76

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1077