DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER Meaning and
Definition
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Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly, is a small dipteran insect belonging to the Drosophilidae family. It is widely used as a model organism in genetic and biomedical research due to its short lifespan, rapid reproduction, and genetic tractability.
The term "drosophila" originates from Greek, where "drosos" means dew or droplet, and "phila" means to love, symbolizing their association with fermenting fruit. Melanogaster, on the other hand, is derived from the Greek words "melano" meaning black and "gaster" referring to the abdomen, indicative of the fly's characteristic dark abdomen.
Adult Drosophila melanogaster are about 3 to 4 millimeters in length, with a tan-colored body and brick-red eyes. They possess two transparent wings used for flight, which are covered with small hairs. The fruit fly feeds on yeasts, microbes, and decaying fruits, making them an abundant presence in orchards, gardens, and kitchens.
Due to their efficient and rapid reproductive cycle, Drosophila melanogaster produce numerous offspring in a short timeframe. Their eggs, which are laid on the surface of fermenting fruit, hatch within a day, giving rise to larvae that eventually transform into pupae. The pupal stage lasts for approximately four days, after which adult flies emerge.
The genome of Drosophila melanogaster has been extensively mapped and studied, resulting in significant advances in our understanding of fundamental genetic processes. This tiny insect is a versatile model organism that has contributed immensely to research on genetics, development, behavior, and disease, making it an indispensable tool in scientific exploration.
Common Misspellings for DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER
- srosophila melanogaster
- xrosophila melanogaster
- crosophila melanogaster
- frosophila melanogaster
- rrosophila melanogaster
- erosophila melanogaster
- deosophila melanogaster
- ddosophila melanogaster
- dfosophila melanogaster
- dtosophila melanogaster
- d5osophila melanogaster
- d4osophila melanogaster
- drisophila melanogaster
- drksophila melanogaster
- drlsophila melanogaster
- drpsophila melanogaster
- dr0sophila melanogaster
- dr9sophila melanogaster
- droaophila melanogaster
Etymology of DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER
The word Drosophila melanogaster is derived from ancient Greek.
Drosophila comes from the Greek words drosos meaning dew and philos meaning loving. The name refers to the attraction these flies have towards fermenting fruit, which often has a dewy appearance.
Melanogaster is also derived from Greek, with melano- meaning black and -gaster meaning belly. This name refers to the fly's black abdomen.
Therefore, Drosophila melanogaster can be translated to mean dew-loving, black-bellied fly.
