Drosophila as a Powerful Modern Tool for Teaching Concepts in Biology and Biomedical Research
Journal Title: International Journal of Zoological Investigations - Year 2017, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
Drosophila is a potential teaching tool to help students in understanding core concepts in biology. Flies have gained significant importance as one of the forefront model organism for research in different areas of Biology and Biomedical sciences. It is easier to convey the outcome of contemporary research in Biology to the student community even among educational institutions with very modest laboratory infrastructure. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been used in biological research during the last century to study a broad range of biological processes i.e. genetics and inheritance, embryonic development, behavior and aging. Humans and flies look quite different, but fundamental biological mechanisms and pathways have been conserved during the evolutionary history. Flies and humans display similarities at the level of genes, cells, tissues and biological processes controlling health and disease. It is also one of the ideal model organisms for the study of neurodegenerative diseases. Our understanding and knowledge of regenerative biology and drug testing has been enhanced with the use of Drosophila mutants. These organisms offer excellent opportunities to design experiments and to seek reliable results in a short duration. As a model system, Drosophila is useful in understanding fundamentals of biology across various strata of educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities. Over the past several decades, developed nations in the west have adopted the fruit fly as a model teaching tool at the undergraduate Biology courses. However, many developing nations including India have yet to incorporate this model organism into their arsenal of teaching tools because work on fruit flies is affordable and cost effective. Through this article, we aim to inspire teachers and educators, the advantages of using this unassuming yet enigmatic study tool to improve scientific temper among the student community. Simple experiments on Drosophila flies can inspire students for inculcating scientific temper.
Authors and Affiliations
Ravi Parkash
Keywords
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