Chapter 3.3.2 Behavior-genetic and molecular analysis of naturally occurring variation in Drosophila larval foraging behavior

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of the genetic and molecular studies of natural variation in Drosophila larval behavior. The chapter reviews the research which has been successful in identifying single genes involved in naturally occurring behavioral variation. It helps in understanding the mechanistic and evolutionary basis of natural variation in behavior. There is a use of foraging behavior of Drosophila melanogaster larvae as a model to accomplish this. The chapter discusses types of genes. It describes the research strategies and techniques used to identify, localize and clone the foraging gene. In addition, chapter discusses the cGMP or cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) signal transduction pathway now known to be responsible for differences in larval foraging behavior. Further, the chapter describes the research strategies and techniques used to identify, localize and clone the foraging gene. The foraging behavior of Drosophila maggots (called larvae) is assayed in a circular arena covered in a thin yeast and water paste.