ON THE STERILIZATION OF DROSOPHILA BY HIGH TEMPERATURE

¹ FROM THE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY OF AMHERST COLLEGE, AMHERST

1. High temperature has a differential effect on the germ cells of Drosophila such that males may be rendered completely sterile at a point at which females are still completely fertile.

2. This effect on the males is permanent as long as this temperature is maintained, but most males will recover normal fertility after being returned to the optimum temperature.

3. Exposures to 31° C. of over ten days tend to increase greatly the number of flies which are permanently sterilized.

4. Examination of the testes of sterile males shows that high temperature causes loss of motility of the sperm, with progressive aggregation and degeneration. Few or no sperms are found in the lower end of the testis and the vas deferens.

5. Although such males copulate with females at high temperature, no sperms pass into the ventral receptacles of the females.

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