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The pathology of embryo death caused by the male-killing Spiroplasma bacterium in Drosophila nebulosa.
- Source :
-
BMC Biology . 2007, Vol. 5, p1-7. 7p. 3 Color Photographs, 3 Charts. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- Background: Inherited bacteria that kill male offspring, male-killers, are known to be common in insects, but little is understood about the mechanisms used by male-killing bacteria to kill males. In this paper we describe the tempo and changes that occur during male-killing by Spiroplasma bacteria in the host Drosophila nebulosa. Results: Spiroplasma infected D. nebulosa males were developmentally retarded from 6-8 h into embryonic development at 25B0C, and arrested at between stages 12 and 13 of embryogenesis (10-12 h). Dying males were characterized by a failure to form segments, and ultimately disintegration of the normal oval embryonic shape. Prior to death, dying males exhibited widespread apoptosis, as testified by TUNEL staining. Conclusion: The Spiroplasma kills male Drosophila in a narrow developmental period, shortly after the formation of the host dosage compensation complex that is required for male-killing. Male death is preceded by widespread apoptosis, but it is uncertain if this is primary or secondary apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *DROSOPHILA
*BACTERIA
*EMBRYOS
*APOPTOSIS
*EMBRYOLOGY
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17417007
- Volume :
- 5
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- BMC Biology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 28834433
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7007-5-9