Behavioural and molecular characterization of Drosophila melanogaster pheromone mutants.

• Main Author: Ng, Wan Chin.
• Other Authors: Yan Deguang
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::Biological sciences
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/46707
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Pheromones are used by many species of animals to mediate complex social behaviours. The use of pheromones in Drosophila melanogaster courtship behaviour is well-characterized. Males and female flies exhibit different cuticular hydrocarbon profiles and a number of these hydrocarbons function as aphrodisiacs or antiaphrodisiacs. Females express mainly 7,11-heptacosadiene (7,11HD) and 7,11-nonacosadiene (7,11 ND), both of which function as aphrodisiacs to attract males. Male pheromones include cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA), 7-tricosene and 7-pentacosene. CH503 is a recently-discovered male pheromone that is transferred to females during mating and inhibits further male courtship. CH503 remains on the surface of mated females longer than the volatile cVA, suggesting the possibility of other functions. To examine other possible roles of CH503, we characterized the behaviour of transgenic flies expressing low levels of bond, a fatty acid elongase that contributes to fatty acid elongation and CH503 synthesis. Mass spectrometry showed that these flies express low levels of CH503 and high levels of cVA. Behavioural studies indicate that 1) the transfer of CH503 from males to recently mated females effectively prevents re-mating; 2) unlike cVA, CH503 does not function as an aphrodisiac for females; 3) transgenic males exhibit other courtship defects; 4) gustatory sugar receptors do not detect CH503.