High-Resolution Video Tracking of Locomotion in Adult Drosophila Melanogaster

Justin B. Slawson; Eugene Z. Kim; Leslie C. Griffith

doi:10.3791/1096

High-Resolution Video Tracking of Locomotion in Adult Drosophila Melanogaster

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Biology

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High-Resolution Video Tracking of Locomotion in Adult Drosophila Melanogaster

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09:08 min

February 20, 2009

DOI: 10.3791/1096-v

Justin B. Slawson¹, Eugene Z. Kim¹, Leslie C. Griffith¹

¹National Center for Behavioral Genomics, Department of Biology, Volen Center for Complex Systems,Brandeis

Overview

This article demonstrates a method for quantifying locomotor behavior in Drosophila melanogaster using a high-resolution video tracking system. The procedure allows for detailed analysis of fly movement without anesthesia.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Behavioral Analysis
Video Tracking Technology

Background

Drosophila melanogaster is a model organism for studying locomotion.
Quantifying movement is essential for understanding complex behaviors.
High-resolution tracking systems enhance the accuracy of movement analysis.
This study provides a protocol for researchers in the field.

Purpose of Study

To demonstrate a method for tracking fly locomotion.
To provide a detailed protocol for researchers.
To facilitate the study of complex locomotor behaviors in Drosophila.

Methods Used

Flies are loaded into a square observation chamber without anesthesia.
A funnel is used to guide flies into the chamber.
Screws seal the chamber holes, and air pulses initiate locomotion.
A video camera captures the movement for analysis.

Main Results

The tracking system successfully captures fly movement.
Movement paths are traced and analyzed by a computer.
The method allows for quantification of locomotor behavior.
Results can be used to study various behavioral aspects in flies.

Conclusions

The high-resolution tracking system is effective for studying Drosophila locomotion.
This method can enhance research in behavioral neuroscience.
Further applications may include studying the effects of genetic modifications on movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of studying Drosophila locomotion?

Studying Drosophila locomotion helps researchers understand complex behaviors and neurological functions.

How does the tracking system work?

The system uses a video camera to capture movement, which is then analyzed by a computer.

Can this method be applied to other organisms?

While this method is tailored for Drosophila, similar techniques can be adapted for other species.

Is anesthesia required for loading the flies?

No, the method allows for loading flies without anesthesia to observe natural behavior.

What are the potential applications of this research?

Applications include studying genetic influences on behavior and understanding neurological disorders.

The study of complex locomotor behavior in Drosophila melanogaster is dependent upon the ability to quantify changes in a given fly's movement. This article demonstrates how to do this using a high-resolution tracking system.

In the video tracking assay, flies must be loaded into a square observation chamber without the use of anesthesia. To do this, a small funnel must be lined up with screw holes in the chamber, so as to knock the flies into the chamber. Using this funnel, screws then seal the holes of the chamber and an air pulse is administered through the air vents to initiate locomotion.

A video camera suspended above the chamber, captures this locomotion and sends it to a computer where the paths of the flies are traced and analyzed. Hi, I'm Justin Slawson from the Griffith Lab here at the Biology Department at Brandeis University. Today we're going to show you a procedure for high resolution video tracking of locomotion.

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