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Quantification of Locomotion and the Effect of Food Deprivation on Locomotor Activity in Drosophila

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Abstract

A new method to quantify locomotor behavior in Drosophila is presented, and compared with previous methods. It is based upon a radar wave, reflected by moving flies. A problem associated with the new apparatus is that its output is dependent on fly size. However, for the case the weight of the experimental flies has been determined, a correction is proposed. The method has been used by studying the effect of starvation upon locomotion in Drosophila melanogaster. It was found that starved flies are much more active than well fed flies. The importance of this effect under several conditions is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 14, 9750 AA, Haren, The Netherlands

    Peter Knoppien & Wilke van Delden

  2. VDP Laboratories, P. O. Box 1547, 1200, B. M. Hilversum, The Netherlands

    Jan N. C. van der Pers

Authors
  1. Peter Knoppien
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  2. Jan N. C. van der Pers
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  3. Wilke van Delden
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Knoppien, P., van der Pers, J.N.C. & van Delden, W. Quantification of Locomotion and the Effect of Food Deprivation on Locomotor Activity in Drosophila. Journal of Insect Behavior 13, 27–43 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007759424777

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007759424777

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