Life Sciences

Mutant Flies

In this exhibit the visitor can observe mutant flies that have been created by scientists for the purpose of genetic study. A single change in a gene can cause drastic changes in an organism. The way a fly looks depends on the information carried in its genes. Changes in this information, called mutations, create changes in the fly. Using chemicals that cause mutations, researchers have given each of the different fly types exhibited a mutation in a different gene. Through this method scientists have developed a wealth of valuable information.