Dr. Mariana Federica Wolfner to deliver Aylward E.R. Downe Memorial Lecture
Aylward E.R. Downe Memorial Lecture
The inside-view of reproductive interactions between males, females, & their molecules in Drosophila
Friday, April 1, 12:30 pm, School of Medicine Room 032A, Queen’s University
Physiological and behavioral changes in female animals during & after mating are induced by seminal fluid components, in conjunction with female-derived molecules. In insects, these physiological changes include increased egg production & ovulation, & regulated storage of sperm. These post-mating changes improve the reproductive capacity of the mated pair. Using a model insect like Drosophila, we can dissect how the changes occur. Using micro-CT scanning, we can see post-mating movements by reproductive organs; these movements regulate efficient gamete transit. Parallel molecular and genetic studies let us identify the seminal proteins that cause the post-mating changes, & the mechanisms through which they act. These findings provide a basic understanding of insect reproduction. They are also relevant to designing methods for control of insect-vectored diseases, & to evolutionary questions such as the basis for the rapid evolution of reproductive molecules.