Event Title
The Effect of Histamine Deficiency on Courtship Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Biomedical Sciences
Mentor Information
Martin Burg
Department
Biomedical Sciences
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 23
Start Date
11-4-2012 9:00 AM
Keywords
Life Science
Abstract
Histamine has been found to function as a visual and mechanosensory neurotransmitter in Drosophila melanogaster. However, little is known about its role in higher-order behaviors in flies, such as courtship behavior. The process of courtship in Drosophila is a complex behavior exhibiting distinct stages that can be easily observed. This project examines the differences in courtship behaviors between flies that have decreased histamine levels due to a mutation in the gene encoding the enzyme histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and flies that have normal HDC function. Pairs of virgin flies were introduced to each other to observe courtship behavior, and the time after introduction at which different stages of courtship occurred was recorded. Results will reflect the current progress of the research. Differences observed between the strains of flies could have implications for recent findings linking a mutation in the human Hdc gene and Tourette's syndrome in humans.
The Effect of Histamine Deficiency on Courtship Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster
Henry Hall Atrium 23
Histamine has been found to function as a visual and mechanosensory neurotransmitter in Drosophila melanogaster. However, little is known about its role in higher-order behaviors in flies, such as courtship behavior. The process of courtship in Drosophila is a complex behavior exhibiting distinct stages that can be easily observed. This project examines the differences in courtship behaviors between flies that have decreased histamine levels due to a mutation in the gene encoding the enzyme histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and flies that have normal HDC function. Pairs of virgin flies were introduced to each other to observe courtship behavior, and the time after introduction at which different stages of courtship occurred was recorded. Results will reflect the current progress of the research. Differences observed between the strains of flies could have implications for recent findings linking a mutation in the human Hdc gene and Tourette's syndrome in humans.