Biotech Updates

Gene Controls Behavioral Changes During Warmer Temperatures

July 1, 2015

A study was conducted by University of Leicester researchers which explored the influence of environment in the biological clock of the fruitfly (Drosophila melongaster).

Based on their study, fruitfly in the wild under natural summer temperatures has a large afternoon locomotor response. This hyperactivity of the fruitfly is controlled by the thermosensory gene, TrpA1. Elimination of this gene in fruitfly causes the afternoon hyperactivity remained intact.

The finding indicates that the changes in behavior of fruitfly during warmer temperatures are controlled by a thermosensory gene, TrpA1.

The full story of the study can be read at the University of Leicester website.