Research Experience for Teachers

University of Notre DameJune 25 – August 3, 2007

John A. Bogucki, South Bend Clay High School

Dr. Hope Hollocher

Associate Professorof Biology

Population and Evolutionary Genetics

Speciation, Evolution and Development

Heather Eisler, Doctoral Candidate

Genomics and Speciation

Research withDrosophila melanogaster, Drosophila simulans and their Hybrids

Allison Jeter John A. BoguckiClay High School Clay High School

Sophomore Teacher

-Sexing Drosophila

Females MalesGenerally larger Generally smaller

Pointed abdominal tip Rounded abdominal tip

Dorsal abdominal surface Dorsal abdominal surfacestriped to tip with solid black tip

Unique, light colored genitalia Unique dark colored genitalia

D. Melanogaster & D. simulans

1. Genome wide comparisons (both species)18,769 genes on a haploid set of 4 chromosomes

2. 14 specific female fertility genes

3. Differences in female hybrid fertility

4. Fertility and Mating Preferences

Haldane’s Rule

Postzygotic Isolation (between related species) is first manifested by the sterility or inviabilityof hybrid males,

and then, as the genetic distance increases, by the sterility or inviability of hybrid females

D. melanogasterFemales

D. simulansFemales

D. melanogasterMales

D. simulansMales

Inviable females

(die as embryos)

Sterile males

Sterile females

Inviable males

(die as larvae)

1. MAZ 1 simulans X melanogasterF1 females, very fertile

2. MAZ 2 simulans X melanogasterF1 females are sterile

3. MAZ 6 simulans X melanogasterF1 females, somewhat fertile

2007 Primary RET Lab Activities

1. Preparation of Fruit fly food2. Transferring of fly cultures to fresh food to

increase stock populations and for experimental crosses

3. Collecting F1 virgin females4. Collecting virgin males of both species5. Creating mating opportunities and recording

the data

2007 Data

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Sim Mel None

Fly type

# of

F1

fem

ales

Maz 1Maz 6Maz 2

2005, 2006, 2007 Data

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Sim Mel None

Fly Type

# of

F1

fem

ales

Maz1Maz6Maz2

2007 Ret Lab Activities continued

6. PCR (DNA amplification)7. Preparation of Gels8. Gel Electrophoresis

Gel Electrophoresisin the Hollocher Lab

RET

August 1, 2007

2007 RET Lab Inspired Activities

Drosophila crosses to show sterility inF1 interspecies hybrids

Drosophila crosses to show patterns of genetic inheritance

Forensic Labs involving Gel Electrophoresis

Acknowledgements

Dr. Hope HollocherHeather EislerHollocher Lab PersonnelDr. Michelle WhaleyDr. Alexander J. HahnNevin LongneckerAlisa Zornig