In Drosophila male differentiation is controlled by:a)No. of Ychromoso...
Sex determination in Drosophila is in accordance to genic balance theory. The theory says that ratio of X chromosome to total number of sets of autosomes (X/A) is the determinant of sex in Drosophila. Genic balance theory was proposed by C.B. Bridges in 1922 for sex determination in Drosophila. It states that ratio of number of X chromosome to that of complete set of autosome determine the sex of Drosophila. According to this theory of sex determination, if the ratio of X chromosome to total number of sets of autosomes (X/A) is >1, the organism will be super female. If the ratio of X chromosome to total number of sets of autosomes (X/A) falls between 1 and 0.50, the genotype will show intersex phenotype. The X/A value is 1.0 for normal female and 0.5 for normal male. Option C is correct answer.
In Drosophila male differentiation is controlled by:a)No. of Ychromoso...
Understanding Drosophila Male Differentiation
In Drosophila melanogaster, or fruit flies, sex determination is a complex process primarily influenced by the genetic composition of the organism. The correct answer to the question regarding male differentiation is option 'C', which focuses on the ratio between the number of X chromosomes and the set of autosomes.
Key Factors in Sex Determination
- X Chromosome Count: Drosophila has two sex chromosomes: X and Y. The number of X chromosomes plays a crucial role in determining sex.
- Autosome Count: Drosophila has a set of autosomes, specifically three pairs (totaling six autosomes). The ratio of X chromosomes to autosomes is what ultimately dictates whether the fly develops as a male or female.
Sex Determination Mechanism
- X:A Ratio: The sex of the Drosophila is determined by the ratio of X chromosomes (X) to autosomes (A). For males, this ratio is 0.5 (1 X chromosome and 2 sets of autosomes), while for females, it is 1.0 (2 X chromosomes and 2 sets of autosomes).
- Genetic Signals: A ratio of 1:2 (one X and two sets of autosomes) triggers male differentiation, while a ratio of 1:1 promotes female development. This is regulated by specific genes on the X chromosomes, particularly the sex-lethal (Sxl) gene, which initiates the female developmental pathway.
Conclusion
In summary, the differentiation of male Drosophila is intricately linked to the X:A ratio, making option 'C' the correct answer. Understanding this mechanism is critical for studies in genetics and developmental biology.