Abstract
In a search for genes controlling the production of Drosophila melanogaster contact pheromones, the gene Enhancer of zeste [E(z)] was found to be one player. Flies mutant for either the amorphic or the antimorphic allele of E(z) showed a similar hydrocarbon phenotype as those with the overlapping Df lxd 15deficiency: decreased amounts of total hydrocarbons and especially unsaturated ones in both sexes. The decrease in the level of D. melanogaster female sex pheromone 7,11-heptacosadiene was dramatic and was correlated with an increase in 7-heptacosene. Females mutant for a gain-of-function allele had increased amounts of total hydrocarbons with wild-type proportions of dienes. Thus the E(z) gene seems to affect hydrocarbon biosynthesis, especially its desaturation steps and even more so the female-specific desaturation step transforming 7-monoenic fatty acids to 7,11-dienic ones and leading to female pheromones.
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Received: 9 July 1999 / Accepted in revised form: 20 October 1999
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Wicker-Thomas, C., Jallon, JM. Role of Enhancer of zeste on the Production of Drosophila melanogaster Pheromonal Hydrocarbons. Naturwissenschaften 87, 76–79 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001140050013
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001140050013