Molecular Genetics of Insect Behavior

Abstract

Publisher Summary Behavior genetics is the study of the underlying hereditary basis of behavior. For many years, Mendelian genetic analyses were conducted on a few traits determined by one or a few genes, or quantitative genetic methods were used for the traits determined by “many” genes. The Drosophila Genome Project and the use of molecular genetic methods are revolutionizing the analysis of the genetic basis of insect behavior. Circadian behaviors, mating behavior, and learning in Drosophila have been dissected with the tools of molecular genetics, and inter- and intraspecific comparisons can be made of the DNA sequences associated with these behaviors. The circadian clock of Drosophila involves several genes, including period + ( per +). Mutants of period influence activity patterns and other circadian rhythms, as well as altering song cycles in courting males. Drosophila learning mutants, such as dunce and couch potato, are providing insights into the fundamental processes involved in short-term, intermediate, long-term, and anesthetic resistant learning in insects and other organisms. Analyses of behaviors that are determined by many genes are being revolutionized by the use of molecular genetic methods and the Drosophila Genome Project. It now is possible to map the number and location of genes affecting complex traits by correlating their inheritance with a variety of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) markers and by conducting gene chip analyses.