Mutational Analysis of the Region Surrounding the 93d Heat Shock Locus of DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Abstract

The region containing subdivisions 93C, 93D and 93E on chromosome 3 of Drosophila melanogaster has been screened for visible and lethal mutations. Treatment with three mutagens, gamma irradiation, ethyl methanesulfonate and diepoxybutane, has produced mutations that fall into 20 complementation groups, including the previously identified ebony locus. No point mutations affecting the heat shock locus in 93D were detected; however, a pair of deficiencies that overlap in the region of this locus was isolated. Flies heterozygous in trans for this pair of deficiencies are capable of producing all of the major heat shock puffs (except 93D) and the major heat shock proteins. In addition, these flies show recovery of normal protein synthesis following a heat shock.