The Yeast Spore Wall Enables Spores to Survive Passage through the Digestive Tract of Drosophila
2008
Yeast Spores Survive in Drosophila Gut
Sample size: 9
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Coluccio Alison E., Rodriguez Rachael K., Kernan Maurice J., Neiman Aaron M.
Primary Institution: Stony Brook University
Hypothesis
Can yeast spores survive passage through the digestive tract of Drosophila?
Conclusion
Yeast spores are significantly more resistant to digestion in the Drosophila gut compared to vegetative cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Spores showed an average survival of 87% in the Drosophila gut.
- Vegetative cells had an average survival of only 8%.
- The unique layers of the spore wall are essential for resistance to digestion.
Takeaway
Yeast spores can travel through fruit flies without getting digested, which helps them spread to new places.
Methodology
The survival of yeast spores and vegetative cells was quantified after passage through the Drosophila gut using fluorescence microscopy.
Limitations
The study may overestimate survival rates as some cells could be digested beyond recognition.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website