Pangantucan Bukinon Community College

Poblacion, Pangantucan, 8717 Bukidnon, Philippines

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

General Toxicology and Physiology (CROP PROT. 13)
2nd Semester SY 2022 – 2023

SUBMISSION DATE: FEBRUARY 16, 2023

This will be a by group (3 members per group)

Present it to the class.

Life Cycle of Drosphila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) under Artificial Diet and Natural Food Source
Exercise 1

INTRODUCTION

Drosophila is one of the greatest and well-studied insect species in the whole world and is one of the
most valuable organisms especially in the field of biology, developmental biology, genetics, medicine,
human disease, and stem cell research. It is the primary organism being used in the study of genetics thus
becoming the best understood animal in genetic systems. It is widely used for scientific research because
of its minute size, short lifecycle (15-20 days), high reproductive rate, easy to culture (cheap and easy to
keep in large numbers), easy genetic manipulation and require very little space or special equipment
(Ashburner & Roote, 2000). From the past century until now, Drosophila has been used for advancement in
learning, studies, education, and research (Sokolowski, 2011). This species represents an exemplary
investigatory tool for studying genetics both in the research and classroom laboratories (Ashburner &
Roote, 2000). In addition, fruit flies are commonly used at all levels of biology education, from middle and
high schools, to college level biology related courses as a tool for teaching and learning. For these reasons,
fruit flies make an ideal model organism for use in different laboratory activities (Wollard et al., 2006).

OBJECTIVES

1. Observe Drosophila melanogaster’s different stages and life cycle,

2. Compare the life cycle (larval stage, pupal and adult stage) of Drosophila reared with
different diets such as: natural and artificial diet, and
3. Identify the characteristics that Drosophila exhibited under two different food sources such
as the ability to survive, the size, behavior and number of individuals of larva, pupa and
adult emerged per diet preparation.

PROCEDURE

A. Life Cycle of Drosphila melanogaster

(i) Baiting
1. Drosophila melanogaster will be caught using fine mesh cloth or through baiting it in a container
(make sure to disinfect the container first to avoid contamination. Rotten fruits, vegetables, and
food (like fishes and other animal meat) may be used in getting them. After baiting it, cover your
container with fine mesh cloth (note: do not use the cover of the container). Wait for a couple of
days and observe if there is any larval emergence Count the number of days for larval
emergence. The larva will then be used for both natural diet and artificial diet.

For the preparation of natural diet and artificial diet

Prepare 3 containers for natural diet (feed with rotten fruits of vegetables) and another 3 containers for
artificial diet. Place 20 larva of drosophila in each container.

For natural diet, record the date of appearance of pupa and date of appearance of adult.
 For artificial diet, prepare a medium which consists of 75 g of feed mash, 25 g of rice bran/ corn
bran, and 75 ml of water. Mixed all the materials thoroughly to achieve a homogenous mixture. Record the
date of appearance of pupa and date of appearance of adult.

Parameters to observe in natural diet and artificial diet

1. Behavior of the larvae/larva during development

2. Pupation behavior of the larvae
3. Number of pupae developed
4. Number of adult harvested

REPORT WRITING

Present your data in tables, graphs, and documentations. Discuss how natural diet and artificial
diet affects the behavior, characteristics, and development of drosophila.