COMPARATIVE STUDY ON DROSOPHILA LARVAL LOCOMOTION AND NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION MORPHOLOGY

Closely related Drosophila species are ideal models for understanding evolutionary processes. Here we characterize phenotypic variations in locomotion patterns and Neuromuscular Junction morphology within related Drosophila species, D. melanogaster, D. simulans, D. sechellia, D. pseudoobscura, and D. busckii, and demonstrate possible mechanisms underlying these phenotypic differences. We describe larval peristaltic crawling in terms of speed, rate of contractions and dispersal efficiency. Comparisons across species show species-specific pattern of larval locomotion. Quantitative analyses on the NMJ anatomy reveal that the pattern of NMJ morphology correlates with larval locomotor behaviors, and suggests the observed differences in locomotion may be explained by variations in NMJ morphology. We also perform hybrid studies to investigate the inheritance pattern of these traits by using the sibling species D. melanogaster, D. simulans, and D. sechellia. We are able to demonstrate that NMJ formation, larval movement speed, and larval dispersal efficiency are associated with X-linked genes, while the rate of peristaltic contractions is maternally influenced.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Sciences

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Grantor dc:publisher

Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Yang, Emma Yunyi

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mizutani, Claudia
• Burns, Jean

• Biology
• Neuromuscular Junction
• Locomotion
• Drosophila

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1364945662

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:case1364945662