Neurobehavioral Development and Eco Toxicological Science Research in Drosophila: An Approach with Optics

Yusuf MK, Folarin R, Abdulazeez R, Kwairanga S, Abubakar H and Gide S

Published on: 2025-10-18

Abstract

Background: Ecotoxicological stressors, impairs and potentially disrupt neurons and have adverse effects on behaviour and development in transgenic fly models

Aim: The research aimed at unveiling the different neurobehavioral changes associated with growth and development in drosphilla flies (Fruit flies)

Methodology: Fourty (40) Drosphila Melanogaster flies of variant genetic tractability were randomly grouped into four (4) groups of ten (10) each and subjected to fly behavioural assays, for ten, and one trial(s) respectively and the data  taken for tracking following their exposure to ecotoxicological toxicants (Paraquat)

Fly Dissection, Tissue Fixation, Immunostaining, Confocal Microscopy, PCR and Gel electrophoresis and Data Analysis were also carried out.

Results: A positive correlation was observed in the performance index for both negative geotaxis assay (0.9, 0.7 and 0.6) and ring assay (0.75 and 0.65) in a dose dependant manner for the control and treatment groups respectively. (p ≤ 0.05).

A significant difference in the total distance covered was observed to be higher (0.25m) in the group administered higher dose of paraquat compared to control group (0.15m) p ≤ 0.05

A significant difference in the speed and velocity of control group was also observed to be higher (0.008m/sec and 0.2m/secs2) compared to the groups administered paraquat. (0.0015m/sec. and 0.05m/secs2) p ≤ 0.05

Conclussion: Growth and development influences cognition and neuro behaviour in transgenic fly models and in an Eco toxicologically stressed environment