Odorant-Binding Proteins OBP57d and OBP57e Affect Taste Perception and Host-Plant Preference in Drosophila sechellia
2007
How Drosophila sechellia Uses Poisonous Fruit
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Takashi Matsuo, Yoshiaki Fuyama
Primary Institution: Tokyo Metropolitan University
Hypothesis
Are the factors that promote specialized ecological interactions between herbivore and plant host sufficient to drive herbivore speciation?
Conclusion
Drosophila sechellia has evolved to prefer a toxic fruit by altering the expression of specific olfactory genes.
Supporting Evidence
- Drosophila sechellia has a unique preference for the toxic fruit of Morinda citrifolia.
- The expression patterns of olfactory genes OBP57d and OBP57e changed in D. sechellia.
- Flies lacking both OBP57d and OBP57e genes preferred the toxic substances instead of avoiding them.
Takeaway
Some fruit flies like to eat a stinky fruit that can kill other flies. They have special genes that help them enjoy this fruit instead of avoiding it.
Methodology
The researchers used genetic tools to study the olfactory genes in Drosophila sechellia and its relatives.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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