The Genetics of Embryogenesis in Drosophila

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter describes that any study of genetic variations modify embryogenesis can be approached with two objectives in mind. On the one hand, one might emphasize the embryological aspects of such studies by concentrating on how mutation-produced modifications of particular embryological events can help to elucidate the developmental interactions involved, and aid in the search for the cellular and biochemical mechanisms that are fundamental to them. On the other hand, one might emphasize the genetic aspects of investigating such mutations. The purpose of this chapter to examine how the study of genetic variations that affect embryogenesis in drosophila has in the past contributed, and may in the future contribute, to an understanding of the precise nature of gene action in development. The ultimate goal is, of course, an understanding of the mechanisms that integrate the activities of both the genome and the cytoplasm such that development regularly proceeds from one state of determination and differentiation to the next.