Award Date

1-1-2001

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological Science

First Committee Member

J. Steven de Belle

Number of Pages

97

Abstract

The mushroom body miniature B ( mbmB) mutation has documented defects in adult mushroom body anatomy, olfactory memory and female fertility. In this thesis I report that mbmB mutants also have reduced viability and growth rate. I further demonstrate, using the mushroom body cell marker dachshund, that loss of mbmB function does not affect the early development of mushroom body neuroectoderm and neuroblasts. Additionally, I found the observed delay in growth and reduced viability were not manifested during embryonic development; Courtship behavior assays and immunohistochemical techniques were used to investigate causes of mbmB female sterility. Courtship involving mbmB females is delayed and reduced in total amount relative to that of wild type. Additional data presented herein suggest that mechanisms required during early oogenesis are not significantly impaired by loss of mbmB function. However, evidence is presented which demonstrates abnormalities in follicle-cell migration in mbmB mutants.

Keywords

Body; Characterization; Drosophila; Effects; Gene; Miniature; Mushroom; Pleiotropic

Controlled Subject

Genetics; Neurosciences

File Format

pdf

File Size

2129.92 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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