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Student Theses and Dissertations

2007

Drosophila

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Insect Host Seeking: Investigations Into The Molecular Mechanisms Of Chemosensation, Walton D. Jones Jan 2007

Insect Host Seeking: Investigations Into The Molecular Mechanisms Of Chemosensation, Walton D. Jones

Student Theses and Dissertations

Among other functions, chemosensory systems play a crucial role in the host-seeking behaviors of insects that allow them to find their preferred food sources. Quite often, however, these host-seeking behaviors have a negative impact on either human health or livelihood. The following details investigations into the evolution and molecular mechanisms of two distinct pathways involved in insect chemosensation. The atypical odorant receptor gene, Or83b, is co-expressed with other ORs in most olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) of the Drosophila antenna. OR83b acts as a generic heterodimeric partner for other ORs coupling them to the ciliary trafficking machinery, which is responsible for …