Question

Discuss why Drosophila has been used extensively for genetic studies.

Answer 1

Reason behind usage of Drosophila for genetic studies

Drosophila has been used extensively for genetical studies because of the following reasons:

• It is a small insect and occupies little space.
• Life cycle of Drosophila is short and is completed in two weeks, It saves time to observe the results.
• Drosophila culture is maintained at room temperature, so it can be easily raised.
• It produces a large number of offspring and allows sufficient data to be collected.
• Drosophila has only four pairs of chromosomes that are easy to study.
• The Drosophila genome is significantly homologous to that of the human genome which makes the study of certain genes easier.
• They shows XX-YY type of sex determination.
• Sexual dimorphism is seen in Drosophila
• With a low-power microscope, many hereditary variations can be easily observed.