Ethanol preference in Drosophila melanogaster is driven by its caloric value.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Perhaps the most difficult thing to ascertain concerning the behavior of another animal is its motivation. The motivation underlying the preference of Drosophila melanogaster for ethanol (EtOH)-rich food has long been ascribed to its value as a food. A recently introduced idea is that, as in humans, the pharmacological effects of EtOH also motivate the fly to choose EtOH-rich food over nonalcoholic food.

Methods

Flies are given a choice between pipets that contain liquid food and liquid food supplemented with EtOH. In some experiments, carbohydrates are added to the non-EtOH-containing food to balance the calories for EtOH.

Results

We confirm that D. melanogaster indeed prefer food that is supplemented with EtOH. However, if the alternative food choice is i

SUBMITTER: Pohl JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3414655 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature