Genetic mutation affects the energy status of Drosophila

Conditional dominant lethals (CDL) represent a special class of genetic mutations observed in Drosophila. Mutation manifests as a dominant lethal in one genotype, but lethality is not expressed in another genotype. CDL mutants exhibit a set of traits discriminating them from classic mutations. We observed unusually high mobility of flies and high sexual activity of males carrying these mutations. We used special tests for evaluation of energy metabolism of CDL mutants. Indirect calorimetry (CO₂ excretion measurement) has been used for estimation of energy exchange in four mutant and two control fly lines. A special device has been used for evaluation of locomotor activity of these fly lines. Energy exchange and locomotor activity in CDL mutants were significantly higher than in control lines. We conclude that some genetic mutations are capable of increasing energy dissipation in their carriers.