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.

配套补充文件源自：Roote J与Prokop A（2013年）发表于《G3（贝塞斯达）》第3卷第353至358页的论文《如何设计遗传交配方案：果蝇遗传学基础培训包》。
摘要：黑腹果蝇（Drosophila melanogaster）是生物学研究的强力模式生物。果蝇研究的核心且通用的研究手段为遗传学，即在黑腹果蝇的特定研究背景下运用孟德尔定律的技术，依托其独特的经典遗传学工具，以及分子生物学、转基因技术与重组酶应用所带来的各类现代遗传学工具与策略。对果蝇遗传学新手开展培训是一项复杂且耗时的工作，但该工作至关重要，绝不能随意应付。令人意外的是，当前市面上仍缺乏适配初学者的优质培训资源。为此，我们开发了一套果蝇遗传学基础培训包，旨在覆盖所有核心领域的基础知识，同时降低培训者的时间投入。首先，培训手册涵盖果蝇研究历史、交配方案设计逻辑、果蝇操作规范、果蝇遗传学中的孟德尔定律、遗传标记与平衡染色体（balancers）、交配方案设计以及转基因技术。学习者可先通过手册自主学习，随后参与针对性别与标记筛选的实操培训课程，在实验室中接触真实果蝇样本。其次，学员可通过PowerPoint演示文稿自主学习，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，学员需根据果蝇实验室的常规实验任务，设计同类交配方案。该实操练习需要培训者提供个性化反馈，但同时也为培训者提供了独特契机，可借此了解每位学员的优势与薄弱环节，并开展针对性辅导。该培训包目前已在曼彻斯特果蝇研究中心（下方第5个链接）成功应用，可作为开发覆盖果蝇研究其他领域的培训资源的参考范本。针对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。