Biochemical Assays to Detect the Antioxidant Level in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Oxygen is a key molecule for the survivability of the aerobic animals, which is converted into toxic byproduct known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) under stress. ROS can induce damage to the cells. To protect the organism from ROS-induced damage, living organisms develop antioxidant defence system. The antioxidative enzymes include superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). These antioxidative enzymes are also present in Drosophila to invade the ROS generated within the body. As a result, the antioxidant enzymes prevent disease development and increase the life span of the organism. Thus, indirectly the determination of antioxidant enzymes is a pointer of the health of the animal. The protocol describes various antioxidant assays in Drosophila melanogaster.