Differentiation of the vitellogenin proteins in species of the Drosophila obscura group

Functional and biochemical features of alcohol dehydrogenase in four species of the obscura group of Drosophila

The biochemical features of ADH of four Drosophila species of the obscura group have been studied. The relationship between ethanol tolerance and ADH activity has been investigated. Propan-2-ol and acetone concentrations have been determined in propan-2-ol treated flies and ADH activity has been followed during 96 h of propan-2-ol treatment. Data on the ADH system confirm constructed phylogenies based on electrophoretic variation and chromosome homologies.

Comparative biochemical and immunological analysis of the three vitellogenins from Drosophila grimshawi

1. The three female-specific vitellogenin proteins, namely V1, V2 and V3, have been isolated and characterized from Drosophila grimshawi. Their mol. wt, as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis are 46,000, 45,000 and 43,000 which are in agreement with those determined by Ferguson plot analysis. 2. All three vitellogenins appear to be monomers in the ovarian extracts and they have very similar biochemical and immunological properties. 3. Ion-exchange chromatography, double immunodiffusion tests and partial digestion with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease indicated more physicochemical and structural similarities between the V1 and the V2 polypeptides. 4. The distribution pattern of the proteolytic polypeptides resulting from limited chymotrypsin digestion suggested partial homology in the primary structure of the three vitellogenin proteins.