How to design a genetic mating scheme: a basic training package for Drosophila genetics

<strong>Supplementary files for:</strong> Roote, J., and Prokop, A. (2013). How to design a genetic mating scheme: a basic training package for <em>Drosophila</em> genetics. G3 (Bethesda) 3, 353-358. <strong>Abstract:</strong> <em>Drosophila melanogaster</em> is a powerful model organism for biological research. The essential<br>and common instrument of fly research is genetics, the art of applying Mendelian rules in the specific context of Drosophila with its unique classical genetic tools and the breadth of modern genetic tools and strategies brought in by molecular biology, transgenic technologies and the use of recombinases. Training newcomers to fly genetics is a complex and time-consuming task but too important to be left to chance. Surprisingly, suitable training resources for beginners currently are not available. Here we provide a training package for basic Drosophila genetics, designed to ensure that basic knowledge on all key areas is covered while reducing the time invested by trainers. First, a manual introduces to fly history, rationale for mating schemes, fly handling, Mendelian rules in fly, markers and balancers, mating scheme design, and transgenic technologies. Its self-study is followed by a practical training session on gender and marker selection, introducing to real flies in the laboratory. Next, through self-study of a PowerPoint presentation, trainees are guided step-by-step through a mating scheme. Finally, to consolidate knowledge, trainees are asked to design similar mating schemes reflecting routine tasks in a fly laboratory. This exercise requires individual feedback but also provides unique opportunities for trainers to spot weaknesses and strengths of each trainee and take remedial action. This training package is being successfully applied at the Manchester fly facility (5th link below) and may serve as a model for further training resources covering other aspects of fly research. A light version of the manual for teaching on undergraduate genetics courses or training short-term project students can be accessed through the last link below.

**补充文件来源：** Roote J与Prokop A于2013年发表的《如何设计遗传交配方案：面向果蝇遗传学的基础培训包》，刊载于G3 (Bethesda) 第3卷，页码353-358。
**摘要：** 黑腹果蝇（*Drosophila melanogaster*）是生命科学研究中极具价值的模式生物。果蝇研究的核心与常用工具为遗传学，即在果蝇特有的经典遗传工具框架下，结合分子生物学、转基因技术与重组酶应用带来的现代遗传工具与策略，运用孟德尔遗传规律的研究方法。面向新手的果蝇遗传学培训是一项复杂且耗时的工作，但因其重要性，绝不能敷衍了事。令人意外的是，目前尚无适配初学者的优质培训资源。为此，本研究推出一套面向基础果蝇遗传学的培训包，旨在覆盖所有核心领域的基础知识，同时缩减培训者的投入时间。首先，培训手册开篇介绍果蝇的研究历史、交配方案的设计原理、果蝇操作方法、果蝇中的孟德尔遗传规律、标记基因与平衡染色体（balancers）、交配方案设计以及转基因技术。学习者完成自学后，将进入针对性别与标记基因选择的实操培训环节，通过实验室中的真实果蝇开展学习。随后，学习者可通过自学PowerPoint演示文稿，逐步掌握一套完整的交配方案设计流程。最后，为巩固所学知识，学习者需根据果蝇实验室的常规工作任务，设计同类交配方案。该实操环节需要培训者提供个性化反馈，同时也为培训者提供了独特契机，以便识别每位学习者的优势与不足，并采取针对性的补救教学措施。该培训包已在曼彻斯特果蝇实验平台（下方第5个链接）成功应用，可作为开发果蝇研究其他领域培训资源的参考范式。面向本科遗传学课程教学或短期项目学生培训的精简版手册，可通过下方最后一个链接获取。