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drosophila

drosophila

1 9.9
A small fruit fly used to study genes in labs
  • noun
  • /ˈdrɒsəˌfɪlə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : drosófila
  • 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.

Examples

  • In genetic experiments, scientists frequently observe mutations in Drosophila to study evolutionary processes.

  • 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.

  • But in Drosophila, you know, there is a small fraction of cells that undergo division in the gut.

  • Now it has mouse, rat, chimp, Drosophila, yeast and a few others.

  • The genetic makeup of Drosophila makes it an ideal model organism for teaching students about heredity.

Synonyms

fly
vsdrosophila
327 1.0

A small insect with two wings that moves quickly in the air

is a specific small species used in genetic research rather than general insects
fruit fly
vsdrosophila
14 2.6

A small flying insect whose young eat and spoil ripe or rotten fruit

is a lab model species prized for simple genetics and a fast life cycle

Compounds

Drosophila simulans
  • Specialized
8.1

A small fruit fly that lives worldwide and scientists use in labs to study genes

7.5

A small fruit fly used in science to study genes

genus Drosophila
  • Specialized
6.7

A group of small fruit flies used to study genes

Surface Forms

drosophila singular
drosophilas plural
drosophilae plural

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.