[Genetic analysis of differences in dopamine metabolism in two Drosophila virilis lines under normal conditions and under heat stress].

The results of genetic analysis of the differences in dopamine (DA) content between two lines of Drosophila virilis in response to heat stress are presented. The gene(s) controlling the differences in DA content under normal conditions is located on the X-chromosome, and the gene(s) controlling the differences in responsiveness of DA system to stress was found to be autosomal. By means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was also examined phenoloxidase activity in these lines under normal conditions and short-term heat stress (60 min, 38 degrees C). Of the five phenol oxidase fractions identified, three were major, A1, A2 and A3 components, and two appeared occasionally. It seems likely that A1 is monophenol oxidase and A2 is diphenol oxidase. It was shown that neither mono, nor diphenol oxidase activities change under heat stress. It was found that D. virilis lines 147 and 101 differ in diphenol oxidase activity under normal conditions. Genetic analysis of these differences revealed that they are controlled by a single gene (or a group of closely linked genes). The gene controlling diphenol oxidase activity in D. virilis is located on the X-chromosome.