Connections Between the Effects of Various Chemicals on the Development of Drosophila melanogaster and Homo sapiens

SRC 2000

This study, funded by the Elbert Pence and Fanny Boyce Grant at Olivet Nazarene University, attempted to determine the relationship between effects of four chemicals on Drosophila melanogaster and humans. Effects of theobromine, caffeine, ethylene glycol, and ammonia on D. melanogaster were observed in adults and F₁ development. Triplicate trials were conducted for each chemical. Observations were documented daily, noting mortality of adults, F₁ development progression, and F₁ viability. First, chi-square tests were completed indicating differences in toxicity of chemicals on P generation and F₁ viability. Second, multiple correlation tests were used to analyze overall toxicity of each chemical and F₁ viability. Third, a one-way between subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze effects of each chemical on D. melanogaster development. Fourth, a Tukey post hoc procedure was implemented to determine which of the chemicals had a significant effect on number of days in each developmental stage. Fifth, correlation tests were run between concentrations of all chemicals combined and overall effect on developmental stages. Finally, based on these results, further correlation tests were run to determine individual chemicals’ effects. Inferences of human effects were formed based on results of this and previous studies.