The Developmental Profile of Ornithine Decarboxylase in Drosophila Melanogaster
Abstract
A convenient assay for ornithine decarboxylase (ODC)
in Drosophila melanogaster has been developed, and is
based upon the measurement of 14c-radioactivity in the
form of l4co2 cleaved from 14 C-ornithine through the action
of ODC in the Drosophila supernatant. Using this assay to
measure ODC activity in different stages of larval development
showed that the activation of ODC may be biphasic
with dramatic peaks occurring at 35 hours and 58 hours of
larval development. This is consistent with other studies
made on ODC activity in other systems. Furthermore, evidence
is given showing that ODC may be repressed nutritionally
when yeast is provided to the larvae for added nourishment.
Some explanation of this phenomenon is provided.