[Interaction of homoeotic mutations Antennapedia and aristapedia in Drosophila melanogaster].

Expression of a number of mutant alleles of Antennapedia and aristapedia loci in pairwise combination of the type Antp ssa/+ssa was compared with their expression in initial Antp and ssa stocks. Marked mutual enhancement of homoeotic action of the genes studied was observed up to the formation of well developed antennal legs consisting of coxae, trochanter, femurs, tibiae and five-segment tarsi in some flies (especially, Antp49 ssa/+ssa). Antennapedia-specificity (rather than aristapedia) of the interaction was found. Cellular basis of action and interaction of homoeotic genes is discussed.