drosophila
- noun
- /ˈdrɒsəˌfɪlə/
- Specialized
- Researchers often use Drosophila in their studies to better understand the underlying genetic mechanisms.
- drosophila fly
- fruit fly
In mice there are two, in humans I think there are three, and in Drosophila there is one.
- In mice there are two, in humans I think there are three, and in Drosophila there is one.
Examples
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In genetic experiments, scientists frequently observe mutations in Drosophila to study evolutionary processes.
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We study Drosophila development.
Blog text (21) -
In mice there are two, in humans I think there are three, and in Drosophila there is one.
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But in Drosophila, you know, there is a small fraction of cells that undergo division in the gut.
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Now it has mouse, rat, chimp, Drosophila, yeast and a few others.
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The genetic makeup of Drosophila makes it an ideal model organism for teaching students about heredity.
Synonyms
A small insect with two wings that moves quickly in the air
A small flying insect whose young eat and spoil ripe or rotten fruit
Compounds
- Specialized
A small fruit fly that lives worldwide and scientists use in labs to study genes
Surface Forms
Etymology
Drosophila comes from Greek roots drosos meaning 'dew' and phila meaning 'loving', so it literally means 'dew-loving'. This image helps remember the word: these tiny fruit flies like damp, sweet places such as rotting fruit, which makes the name a good fit for the small flies scientists use in genetic research.