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Heliyon Jan 2024A novel and distinct mutant with a phenotype, aeroplane wing () is reported for the first time in the urban malaria vector . The main aim of this study was to establish...
A novel and distinct mutant with a phenotype, aeroplane wing () is reported for the first time in the urban malaria vector . The main aim of this study was to establish the mode of inheritance of the gene performing genetic crossings between the mutants and wild types. These mutants show extended open wings that are visible to naked eyes in both the sexes. Mutants were first noticed in a nutritionally stressed isofemale colony. Strategic genetic crosses revealed that the gene is a recessive, autosomal, and monogenic trait having full penetrance with uniform expression in its adult stage. Egg morphometric analysis confirmed that these mutants were intermediate variant. No significant differences were observed in the wing venation and size of mutants compared to their control parental lines. Further cytogenetic analysis on the ovarian polytene chromosome of mutant showed an inversion (3L) on the 3L arm like its parental line. This mutant would be a prominent marker and could be useful to study the functions of related specific genes within its genome.
PubMed: 38187285
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23693 -
Doklady. Biochemistry and Biophysics Dec 2023Polytene chromosomes in Drosophila serve as a classical model for cytogenetic studies. However, heterochromatic regions of chromosomes are typically under-replicated,...
Polytene chromosomes in Drosophila serve as a classical model for cytogenetic studies. However, heterochromatic regions of chromosomes are typically under-replicated, hindering their analysis. Mutations in the Rif1 gene lead to additional replication of heterochromatic sequences, including satellite DNA, in salivary gland cells. Here, we investigated the impact of the Rif1 mutation on heterochromatin in polytene chromosomes formed in ovarian germ cells due to the otu gene mutation. By the analysis of otu; Rif1 double mutants, we found that, in the presence of the Rif1 mutation, ovarian cells undergo additional polytenization of pericentromeric regions. This includes the formation of large chromatin blocks composed of satellite DNA. Thus, the effects of the Rif1 mutation are similar in salivary gland and germ cells. The otu; Rif1 system opens new possibilities for studying factors associated with heterochromatin during oogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Carrier Proteins; Chromosomes; DNA Replication; DNA, Satellite; Drosophila; Drosophila melanogaster; Drosophila Proteins; Germ Cells; Heterochromatin; Polytene Chromosomes
PubMed: 38337102
DOI: 10.1134/S160767292360046X -
Insects Feb 2024Discoveries of endemic species highlight areas of biogeographic and conservation interest. Endemic species, however, are often morphologically disguised as more common...
Discoveries of endemic species highlight areas of biogeographic and conservation interest. Endemic species, however, are often morphologically disguised as more common and widespread species. The larval polytene chromosomes revealed a new species of black fly, , from the Djurdjura Mountains of northern Algeria, and its female, male, pupa, and larva are described. The species is chromosomally unique; none of its 11 chromosomal rearrangements are shared with other species. Although the new species structurally resembles (Meigen) with which it previously has been confused, it can be distinguished from all other known species of in the Western Palearctic based on at least one character in each described life stage. Symbiotic organisms included two species of microsporidia, at least one of which is probably undescribed, one unknown protozoan pathogen novel in simuliids, and the trichomycete fungus Léger and Duboscq. Associated simuliid species included at least one new species of the genus . The new species of is tentatively considered endemic to the mountains of northern Algeria but might be expected in the mountains of eastern Morocco and northern Tunisia and perhaps in Sicily. If its endemic status holds, it would be the only nominal species of black fly unique to Algeria.
PubMed: 38535346
DOI: 10.3390/insects15030150 -
Insects Feb 2024(Sauaia & Alves, 1968) is a sciarid that has been continuously cultured in the laboratory for nearly 60 years. Studies on this species have contributed to the...
(Sauaia & Alves, 1968) is a sciarid that has been continuously cultured in the laboratory for nearly 60 years. Studies on this species have contributed to the understanding of DNA puffs, which are characteristic of Sciaridae, and to the knowledge of more general aspects of insect biology, including cell death, nucleolar organization, and the role of the hormone ecdysone during molting. The genome of has now been sequenced, and it is the third publicly available sciarid genome. The aim of this work is to expand the current knowledge on . The morphology of the adults is revisited. The morphology of larvae and pupae is described, together with the behavior of immature stages under laboratory conditions. Cytogenetic maps of the salivary gland polytene chromosomes are presented, together with a comparative analysis of the mitotic chromosomes of six different sciarid species. was originally described as a species of and recently moved to We examine here the systematic position of in the latter genus. Our results extend the characterization of an unconventional model organism and constitute an important resource for those working on the cytogenetics, ecology, taxonomy, and phylogenetic systematics of sciarids.
PubMed: 38392537
DOI: 10.3390/insects15020118