EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS OF THE DROSOPHILA ALCOHOL-DEHYDROGENASE GENE-ENZYME SYSTEM

Evolutionary genetics embodies a broad research area that ranges from the DNA level to studies of genetic aspects in populations. In all cas es the purpose is to determine the impact of genetic variation on evol utionary change. The broad range of evolutionary genetics requires the involvement of a diverse group of researchers: molecular biologists, (population) geneticists, biochemists, physiologists, ecologists, etho logists and theorists, each of which has its own insights and interest s. For example, biochemists are often not concerned with the physiolog ical function of a protein (with respect to pH, substrates, temperatur e, etc.), while ecologists, in turn, are often not interested in the b iochemical-physiological aspects underlying the traits they study. Thi s review deals with several evolutionary aspects of the Drosophila alc ohol dehydrogenase gene-enzyme system, and includes my own personal vi ewpoints. I have tried to condense and integrate the current knowledge in this field as it has developed since the comprehensive review by v an Delden (1982). Details on specific issues may be gained from Sofer and Martin (1987), Sullivan, Atkinson and Starmer (1990); Chambers (19 88, 1991); Geer, Miller and Heinstra (1991); and Winberg and McKinley- McKee (1992).