Bitter Pheromone Inhibits Drosophila Males
Author Information
Author(s): Lacaille Fabien, Hiroi Makoto, Twele Robert, Inoshita Tsuyoshi, Umemoto Daisuke, Manière Gérard, Marion-Poll Frédéric, Ozaki Mamiko, Francke Wittko, Cobb Matthew, Everaerts Claude, Tanimura Teiichi, Ferveur Jean-François
Primary Institution: Université de Bourgogne, CNRS-UMR5548, Dijon, France
Hypothesis
Does the cuticular hydrocarbon Z-7-tricosene act as a sex pheromone that inhibits male courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster?
Conclusion
The study concludes that the inhibitory sex pheromone Z-7-tricosene tastes bitter to Drosophila males and inhibits their courtship behavior.
Supporting Evidence
- Z-7-tricosene inhibits male homosexual courtship behavior in a dose-dependent manner.
- The same gustatory neurons respond to both Z-7-tricosene and bitter substances.
- Bitter substances also inhibit male courtship behavior similarly to Z-7-tricosene.
Takeaway
Male fruit flies can smell a chemical that makes them less interested in courting other males, and this chemical also tastes bitter to them.
Methodology
The study used behavioral tests and electrophysiological recordings to assess the effects of Z-7-tricosene on male courtship behavior and gustatory neuron responses.
Participant Demographics
Drosophila melanogaster males
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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