Mutation processes in the natural population of Drosophila melanogaster from radiation contaminated territories

  • O. O. Kharchenko
  • S. V. Serga ESC “Institute of Biology”, National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv Ukraine, 01601, Kyiv, Volodymyrska str, 64
  • O. V. Procenko ESC “Institute of Biology”, National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv Ukraine, 01601, Kyiv, Volodymyrska str, 64
  • A. P. Tretyak
  • I. A. Kozeretska ESC “Institute of Biology”, National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv Ukraine, 01601, Kyiv, Volodymyrska str, 64

Abstract

Aims. Explore mutational processes in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster that inhabit the territories with different levels of radioactive contamination. Methods. We analysed 11 wild populations for the presence of phenotypic changes and conducted statistical data processing. Results. We have demonstrated that all populations we had studied were in the state of a so called mutational outbreak. We have found males and females to react differently to the effects of radioactive contamination. Conclusions. The data indicates that Drosophila males are more sensitive to the effects of radioactive pollution.

Key words: Drosophila melanogaster, natural populations, mutations, radiation.