DrosophilaMutants that Are Motile but Respond Poorly to All Stimuli Tested: Mutants in RNA Splicing and RNA Helicase, Mutants in The Boss

Abstract

Adult Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies were placed into one end of a tube near to repellents (benzaldehyde and heat) and away from the other end containing attractants (light and a favored temperature). They escaped from the repellents and went to the attractants. Five motile mutants that failed to do that were isolated. They did not respond to any external attractants tested or external repellents tested. In addition, they did not respond well to internal sensory stimuli like hunger, thirst, and sleep. The mutants, although motile, failed to respond to stimuli at both 34°C and at room temperature. Some of the mutants have been mapped. The mutants are missing RNA splicing and RNA helicase. In addition, mutants missing information from The Boss are discussed.