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

Supplementary files for: Roote, J., and Prokop, A. (2013). How to design a genetic mating scheme: a basic training package for Drosophila genetics. G3 (Bethesda) 3, 353-358. Abstract: Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful model organism for biological research. The essential 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.

配套文件源自：Roote J. 与 Prokop A.（2013）。《如何设计遗传交配方案：果蝇遗传学基础培训包》。刊载于*G3 (Bethesda)*，第3卷，第353-358页。

摘要：黑腹果蝇（Drosophila melanogaster）是生命科学研究领域极具应用价值的模式生物。果蝇研究的核心通用工具为遗传学，即依托果蝇特有的经典遗传学工具，结合分子生物学、转基因技术与重组酶（recombinases）所衍生的各类现代遗传学工具与策略，在果蝇的特定研究语境中应用孟德尔定律的实践技艺。面向新手开展果蝇遗传学培训是一项复杂且耗时的工作，但其重要性极高，绝不可随意应付。令人意外的是，当前尚无面向初学者的成熟培训资源。本文旨在提供一套基础果蝇遗传学培训包，确保覆盖所有关键领域的基础知识，同时缩减培训者的时间投入。

首先，培训手册将系统介绍果蝇研究历史、交配方案的设计逻辑、果蝇实操操作技术、果蝇体内的孟德尔遗传规律、遗传标记与平衡染色体（balancers）、交配方案设计流程，以及转基因技术。学员可先自主学习该手册，随后参与性别与标记识别的实操培训环节，通过实验室中的真实果蝇开展实操学习。

其次，学员可通过自主学习PowerPoint演示文稿，循序渐进地掌握一套完整的交配方案设计流程。

最后，为巩固所学知识，学员需设计贴合果蝇实验室日常工作需求的同类交配方案。该练习需要针对每位学员提供个性化反馈，但也为培训者提供了独特的契机，可借此识别每位学员的优势与薄弱环节，并采取针对性的补救教学措施。

本培训包已在曼彻斯特果蝇实验中心（详见下方第5条链接）成功投入使用，可作为开发涵盖果蝇研究其他方向的后续培训资源的参考范本。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，可通过下方最后一条链接获取。