DRUG EFFECTS IN DROSOPHILA - STREPTOMYCIN SENSITIVE STRAINS AND FLUOROURACIL RESISTANT STRAINS

CHEMICAL selector agents can be used for analysing genetic fine structure in Drosophila melanogaster and for selecting strains which are abnormally resistant or sensitive to these agents1. Selection of these strains provides a means for investigating the mechanisms through which the chemical exerts its effect. The effect of streptomycin on ribosomal structure in Escherichia coli, where a misreading of the genetic code is induced, has been elucidated2. Large numbers of flies can be screened for resistance to the chemical by this technique. Sensitivity to a drug, however, is more difficult to detect and select for unless most individuals in a stock express the trait. We describe the selection and the genetics of an abnormally sensitive streptomycin strain and an abnormally resistant 5-fluorouracil (FU) strain of Drosophila melanogaster. © 1968 Nature Publishing Group.