Compared toxicities of different alcohols for two drosophila sibling species: D. Melanogaster and D. Simulans

Abstract

1.The toxicity of the first eight primary alcohols and of three secondary alcohols was determine for D. melanogaster and D. simulans. 2. In both species ethanol was the best tolerated alcohol. 3. The toxicity of primary alcohols increased with the lenght of the molecule from ethanol on. 4. Secondary alcohols were more toxic than the corresponding primary compounds. 5. In almost all cases, melanogaster was more tolerant than simulans and the greatest difference was observed with ethanol. 6. The possible relationships between these results and the enzymes which metabolize alcohols are discussed.