The Drosophila melanogaster X-linked mfs(1)6E locus is required for production of normal seminal fluid by the male accessory glands

The Drosophila male accessory glands (paragonias) are two male-specific org ans that produce seminal fluid, a secretion involved in sperm storage and s ubsequent sperm utilization by the female. This paper reports the first X-l inked locus, male-female-sterile in region 6E [mfs(1)6E], required for the production of normal seminal fluid. Mutant males produce motile spermatozoa , which are transferred to females during mating, but which are not stored. Sterility of these males is mainly due to severe affected transfer of semi nal fluid to females during mating. In addition, the mutant seminal fluid s eems defective in triggering the behavioral (reduced receptivity to further mating) and physiological (increased egg-laying) changes normally observed in mated females. Mutant male accessory glands show notable abnormalities, connected with glandular secretion as well as qualitative and quantitative differences in their protein content. (C) 2001 Academic Press.