OLFACTORY SYSTEM IN DROSOPHILA

Smell is an ancient sensory system presented virtually in organisms from bacteria to humans. In Drosophila odors elicit a variety of behavioral responses in relatively simple but sensitive olfactory system. An increasing number of mutants have been found to be defective in olfactory function. Genetic and molecular analysis of the olfactory system of the fruit fly have identified many molecular components, and have revealed some principles of its function and organization.