White (mutation)
Sex-linked mutation
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Related on Lably
Through Sex linkage, Mutation and Population (biology)
Function
The protein coded by the white gene functions as an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. It carries the precursors of the red and brown eye color pigments, guanine and tryptophan, into the developing eyes during pupation. White-eyed flies are not blind; instead they are easily temporarily blinded by bright light at certain frequencies because they lack the protection provided by the red and brown pigments. The human version of white is ABCG1, and is involved in transporting lipids and cholesterol into cells.
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Effects mutation
Drosophila melanogaster with the white eye mutation typically have shorter life spans than wildtype Drosophila. They also experience many neurological deficiencies in addition to eye defects. Some of the deficiencies that they experience includes difficulty in mobility, and a low stress tolerance. Drosophila melanogaster with the white eye mutation often experience an increased sensitivity to light and a decrease in visual acuity. They have significantly less in the number of synaptic vesicles of photoreceptors.
White eye mutants of Drosophila melanogaster experience a lower rate of reproduction than their wildtype counterparts because they experience a reduced rate of sexual arousal during daylight. Ectopic expression of white+ induces male-male courtship in Drosophila. White+ controls the copulation success in Drosophila melanogaster.