The genetics of dopa decarboxylase in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Data on 46 mutations in the structural gene, Ddc. for dopa decarboxylase and 33 mutations in the αmethyl dopa hypersensitive gene, 1(2)amd, in Drosophila melanogaster are presented including information on their isolation, their effects on DDC activity, and their sensitivity to dietary αmethyl dopa. Intragenic complementation of both loci is documented, the effects of heteroallelic complementing heterozygosity on DDC activity, in vitro thermolability of DDC, and on temperature sensitive viability are presented. Data are marshalled to support rejection of the hypothesis that Ddc mutations and 1(2)amd, mutations are lesions in a single gene.