CELL-CYCLE GENES OF DROSOPHILA

This chapter discusses the cell cycle genes of Drosophila. The chapter provides new insights into various aspects of the process of cell division and describes what is known about genes whose function is required for the cell cycle to a greater or lesser extent and the choice of Drosophila as a model system. The chapter discusses various aspects of Drosophila development that are more relevant for genetic analysis of cell division in this organism. The genetic analysis of cell division in Drosophila is the subject of several recent reviews. A most striking case of cell cycle control during development is provided by the tip cell that controls mitosis during development of the Malpighian tubule in D. melanogaster. The tip cell does not incorporate BUdR or divide during the stage at which other cells in the tubule are proliferating. Ablation experiments have shown that tubules without a tip cell do not undertake cell proliferation. Some gene products contain highly conserved motifs that are known to perform various biochemical activities and prompt a review and reinterpretation of the understanding of the phenotypes resulting from mutations in such genes. © 1994, Academic Press Inc.