Fruit Flies: Annoying or Advanced–An Exploration of the Fruit Fly Model

Written By Cornell Undergraduate Research Magazine

Written by Samantha Arturo
Edited by Darren Shum

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of  fruit flies? Is it the absolute annoyance of seeing them swarm in groups of ten or even a hundred? Or is it the fact that they’re so small and undetectable until they’re already invading your personal space? Drosophila melanogaster, more commonly known as the fruit fly, is everywhere, often provoking frustration among people, plants, and animals alike. But what if D. melanogaster is more than just a pesky irritant? In fact, this tiny species actually plays a key role in advancing our understanding of genetics, evolution, and molecular biology. 

The wiring of a fruit fly brain. Curated by Camille Parisot (cap364@cornell.edu)

There are numerous advantages to using the D. melanogaster model in biological research. Notably, D. melanogaster is an accessible species for laboratory use due to its rapid reproductive cycle, cost-effective maintenance, and defiance of traditional ethical parameters. For instance, D. melanogaster reaches full adulthood in just two weeks,  requires a small amount of space for a large population, and does not require the same ethical approvals consistent with other animal testing, streamlining the research process. 

In support of these benefits, several Cornell University faculty members proudly conduct research using D. melanogaster and related Drosophila models. Specifically, the Clark Lab, led by the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Population Genetics, Andrew G. Clark, uses the Drosophila model to study “variation in innate immune efficacy, genetic variation in sperm competition, regulation of fat storage, and evolution of the Y chromosome.” The fruit fly’s ability for genetic manipulation and variation allows for these objectives to be tested.

 A more recent breakthrough stems from the creation of the FlyWire Connectome by Princeton University professors Mala Murthy and Sebastian Seung. By combining generative AI with human expertise, Murthy, Seung, and their constituents created the first complete map system of an adult female Drosophila, which includes 139,255 proofread neurons. This digital codex is accessible to researchers, scientists, professors, students, and anyone with a genuine interest in learning more about the Drosophila model. Because of the platform’s accessibility, new opportunities have emerged for research that can be applied to real-life human issues. As highlighted in Clark’s lab, fundamental genetic prospects are being understood using this data. Similarly, these models and research tools can be used to explore more daunting diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s, which do not yet have a definitive cure. 

Photos taken and curated by Camille Parisot (cap364@cornell.edu)

Although humans don't walk around with wings or antennae, fundamentally, both species share similar genetic and biological bases. For example, both D. melanogaster and humans share key neuron structures like the soma cell body, dendrites that receive signals, and axons that transmit signals, which allows for communication and signaling within the brain and throughout the body. Although the average adult is approximately 536 times larger than the average fruit fly, Dr. Kim McCall, a professor of biology at Boston University who specializes in the Drosophila melanogaster model, notes that “about 75% of human disease genes have counterparts in flies,” meaning that even though humans and fruit flies don’t seem inherently similar, many of the findings generated from these models can be applicable to the human condition. 

So yes, while fruit flies are bothersome, irritating, and irksome, they are also more critical to scientific research than ever before. So give them a chance before going to swat them away, because who knows what other benefits they will continue to deploy in the scientific industry.

Samantha Arturo '29 is a Biological Sciences major in the College of Arts & Sciences. She can be reached at sma298@cornell.edu.

Cornell Undergraduate Research Magazine
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