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Regulatory Switches in Drosophila

Topic

  • Genetics
  • Gene Expression & Regulation

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Animations

Level

High School — AP/IBCollege

Duration

00:00:49
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Description

This animation shows how changes in the regulatory switch regions of a “paintbrush” gene lead to wing spot differences in Drosophila fruit flies.

The fly species Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila biarmipes both have a “paintbrush” gene that controls pigmentation. As shown in the animation, only D. biarmipes also has a regulatory switch region that activates paintbrush gene expression in the wings. As a result, D. biarmipes has pigmented spots on its wings, and D. melanogaster does not.

This animation is a clip from a 2005 Holiday Lecture Series, Evolution: Constant Change and Common Threads. Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animation at various points to discuss different features.

Key Terms

coloration, fruit fly, genetic switch, paintbrush gene, pigmentation, wing spot

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

Video files partially meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 02.04.05

Materials

Large (MOV) 2 MB
Large (WMV) 2 MB
Small (MOV) 1 MB
Small (WMV) 1 MB
Transcript (PDF) 11 KB

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