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Regulation of gene function: A comparison of enzyme activity levels in relation to gene dosage in diploids and triploids of Drosophila melanogaster

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A study of gene activity in diploid and triploid Drosophila melanogaster females has been performed. Levels of enzyme activity of X-linked glucose 6-phosphate and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenases and autosome-linked α-glycerophosphate and NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenases were measured and correlated with DNA content, in crude extracts of whole flies or thoraces. The results show that the contribution of each dose of a given gene to the level of enzyme activity is equal in diploid and triploid cells. These findings are discussed in the context of the phenomenon of dosage compensation.

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This investigation was supported by Research Grant GM-15691 and Genetics Training Grant 2 T1-GM-685 of the National Institutes of Health.

Recipient of a Research Career Development Award (K4-GM-13, 277) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

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Lucchesi, J.C., Rawls, J.M. Regulation of gene function: A comparison of enzyme activity levels in relation to gene dosage in diploids and triploids of Drosophila melanogaster . Biochem Genet 9, 41–51 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00485589

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00485589

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