DROSOPHILA GENETICS IN THE CLASSROOM

Drosophila has long been useful for demonstrating the principles of cl assical Mendelian genetics in the classroom. In recent years, the orga nism has also helped students understand biochemical and behavioral ge netics. In this connection, this article describes the development of a set of integrated laboratory exercises and descriptive materials-a l aboratory module-in biochemical genetics for use by high-school studen ts. The module focuses on the Adh gene and its product, the alcohol de hydrogenase enzyme. Among other activities, students using the module get to measure alcohol tolerance and to assay alcohol dehydrogenase ac tivity in Adh-negative and -postive flies. To effectively present the module in the classroom, teachers attend a month-long Dissemination In stitute in the summer. During this period, they learn about other rese arch activities that can be adapted for classroom use. One such activi ty that has proved popular with teachers and students utilizes Drosoph ila to introduce some of the concepts of behavioral genetics to the hi gh-school student. By establishing closer interactions between high-sc hool educators and research scientists, the gulf between the two commu nities can begin to be bridged. It is anticipated that the result of a closer relationship will be that the excitement and creativity of sci ence will be more effectively conveyed to students.