How Long to Read Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species

How Long Does it Take to Read Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species?

It takes the average reader 4 hours and 15 minutes to read Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species by Zinan Wang

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Adaptation to various and extreme environments is key to long-term species persistence. Reducing water loss is important for organisms adapting to different terrestrial environments. In Drosophila fruit flies and other terrestrial insects, their small body size and large surface areas to volume ratios make them vulnerable to desiccation stress. Their ability to prevent water loss is crucial for their survival. Previous studies have suggested that cuticular water loss accounts for the majority of water loss in insects and hypothesized that differences in cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) content accounted for differences in desiccation resistance between mesic and desert species. However, the specific association between different CHC components and desiccation has not been established, and the genetic mechanisms underlying the evolution of these CHC components that confer high desiccation resistance have not been elucidated. This dissertation investigated how the evolution of CHCs in insects affected desiccation resistance and elucidates the genetic mechanisms underlying their evolution. With a comprehensive association study of desiccation resistance and CHCs in 46 Drosophila species and 4 species in closely-related genera, the analyses showed that mbCHC chain lengths were important predictors of desiccation resistance and longer mbCHCs contributed to higher desiccation resistance. This dissertation further investigated the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying longer chain mbCHCs and higher desiccation resistance in a desert Drosophila species, Drosophila mojavensis. A fatty acyl-CoA elongase gene, mElo (methyl-branched CHC Elongase), was identified in Drosophila species for the elongation of mbCHCs. Overexpression experiments in D. melanogaster demonstrated that coding changes in mElo from D. mojavensis lead to longer mbCHCs and higher desiccation resistance. Further experiments using CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out mElo from D. mojavensis showed that knockout of this gene decreased the production of the longest mbCHCs and significantly reduced desiccation resistance at their ecological-relevant temperature. Results from this dissertation elucidate the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms that enable species to reduce water loss and maintain water balance as our planet gets warmer and more arid in the next few decades.

How long is Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species?

Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species by Zinan Wang is 248 pages long, and a total of 63,984 words.

This makes it 84% the length of the average book. It also has 78% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 5 hours and 49 minutes to read Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species aloud.

What Reading Level is Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species?

Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species?

Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species by Zinan Wang is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

To buy Mechanisms Underlying Desiccation Resistance in Drosophila Species by Zinan Wang on Amazon click the button below.