Understanding Wild-Type vs. Mutant Organisms in Developmental Biology
This study examines the differences between wild-type and mutant organisms, particularly focusing on Drosophila melanogaster. While wild-type individuals represent the typical genetic form, mutants have undergone DNA alterations resulting in new traits not present in wild-types. Mutants are crucial for scientific research, enabling the exploration of gene functions and their roles in various biological processes, including embryonic development, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. The Myostatin Mutants Project aims to uncover the function of Myostatin, with findings contributing to broader genetic research.
Understanding Wild-Type vs. Mutant Organisms in Developmental Biology
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Presentation Transcript
Wildtype versus Mutant Ms. Alvarez maribea@uci.edu Arora Lab University of California Irvine Developmental and Cell Biology Department
UC Irvine Dr. Kavita Arora Associate Professor J. Cho PhD Student M. Alvarez PhD Student
What is the difference between these individuals? • Wolverine is a mutant and Ms. Alvarez is wild-type • Wild-type is the typical form • Mutants are organisms who’s DNA has been altered. These organisms display new characteristics or traits not found in wild-type.
Mutations are permanent changes in the DNA sequence of a gene
Why do scientist make mutant organisms? • The image “http://nfs.unipv.it/nfs/minf/dispense/immunology/nunu_mouse2.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors. • To study the function/ role of the gene that has been mutated.
Drosophila Melanogaster, a popular genetic model organism • ~ 50% of fly genes have vertebrate homologs • Small and easy to grow in lab • Short generation time • Produce high amounts of offspring
Drosophila Melanogaster is used to study the biological processes underlying: • Embryonic development • Neurodegenerative disorders • Diabetes • Aging • Drug abuse • Cancer
Project goal: Identify the function of Myostatin in Drosophila Myostatin fly mutants die at pupa stage
Acknowledgments Dr. Kavita Arora Jane Cho Tiffany Leung Nicole El-Ali Arora Lab Warrior Lab MSP Program NSF-GK-12 grant DGE-0638751