Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I'm going to do a genetic research experiment using fruit flies. I hope to see how certain chemicals will effect the growth or mutations found in each generation. The problem is, I don't know what kind of a chemical to use. I hope to use something I can put in their food source. Any links to websites or other sources would be helpful as well.

Are you looking for changes in the phenotype of the flies or in their genotype?

Any of a number of environmental factors can cause mutations in the genetic code of an organims. In fact, the DNA of each generation of an organism is different from that of its parental generation because of cellular processes.

The type of chemical you choose will depend on what types of effects you are looking for? What sort of applications are you most interested in? Considering these questions will help us help you narrow down your project.

In addition to the good advice from Terik, I would suggest working with "emerging contaminants." Typically, these are chemicals that are unregulated in natural waters in the US because the potential for toxic effects is not well established. A google search for "emerging contaminants" will give you more information.