The Effects of Diet on Drosophila Larval Development
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Secondary School
Major
-
Minor
-
Institution
Project Lead The Way - Kentucky
KY House District #
85
KY Senate District #
15
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Jennifer Wilson
Abstract
Metabolic Syndrome, a collection of health issues including diabetes and heart disease, is becoming prevalent in today’s population. More information about the effects of diet on these issues is needed. In this project, scientists will conduct an investigation to determine the effects of diets high in certain macromolecules on fruit fly larval development. The larva will be transferred during the first instar stage in groups of fifty to four tubes. One tube will contain a carbohydrate‐rich media (glucose), one tube will contain a fat‐rich media (coconut oil), one tube will contain a protein‐rich media (peptones), and one tube will contain a balanced commercial fruit fly media. Larval survival rate, time frame of developmental stages, and characteristics including body wall contractions and mouth hook movements will be used to determine if excessive consumption of a specific macromolecule negatively impacts normal larval development. Results are not finalized as the experiment is not concluded at the time of this abstract.
The Effects of Diet on Drosophila Larval Development
Metabolic Syndrome, a collection of health issues including diabetes and heart disease, is becoming prevalent in today’s population. More information about the effects of diet on these issues is needed. In this project, scientists will conduct an investigation to determine the effects of diets high in certain macromolecules on fruit fly larval development. The larva will be transferred during the first instar stage in groups of fifty to four tubes. One tube will contain a carbohydrate‐rich media (glucose), one tube will contain a fat‐rich media (coconut oil), one tube will contain a protein‐rich media (peptones), and one tube will contain a balanced commercial fruit fly media. Larval survival rate, time frame of developmental stages, and characteristics including body wall contractions and mouth hook movements will be used to determine if excessive consumption of a specific macromolecule negatively impacts normal larval development. Results are not finalized as the experiment is not concluded at the time of this abstract.