The effect of the inactive mutation on longevity, sex, rhythm and resistance to p-cresol in Drosophila melanogaster.
Flies carrying the inactive (iav) mutation exhibit low locomotor activity and poor mating success, both of which are associated with a deficiency in the putative neurotransmitter, octopamine. Several other aspects of the iav mutant phenotype are described here. Male and female iav mutants show a small reduction in longevity but it is not clear whether this is a consequence of the iav mutation or their inactive phenotype. Young iav males show extended attractiveness to older courting males, which supports the notion that the iav gene has a role in post-eclosional maturation. The eclosion rhythm of iav mutants is normal, discounting the possibility of a role for octopamine in the maintenance of circadian rhythm. Flies carrying the iav mutation are highly susceptible to the octopamine analogue p-Cresol. Other phenotypically inactive flies show wild type levels of p-Cresol resistance. This is attributed to the deficiency of octopamine in iav mutants because low octopamine levels may be unable to out-compete the toxic effect of p-Cresol. Some inferences on the possible mode of action of the iav gene product are discussed.
Institute of Genetics, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
K M
KM
O'Dell
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000235:genetics; D003408:Cresols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D008136:Longevity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000235:genetics; D009154:Mutation; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D012741:Sexual Maturation / Q000235:genetics
D003408:Cresols; C032538:4-cresol