Occasionally one sees a fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) that shakes its legs, wings, or abdomen under ether anesthesia. This behavior is caused by a mutation that results in
A) a reduced amount of neurotransmitter being released.
B) certain potassium channels not being formed, disrupting the normal flow of potassium across the membrane.
C) highly coordinated muscle contractions due to the unusually synchronized neural firing.
D) the mutant neurons repolarizing more quickly than they should.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The shaking behavior under ether anesthesia in fruit flies with this mutation is due to certain potassium channels not being formed, which disrupts the normal flow of potassium across the membrane. This affects the neuron's ability to send proper signals, leading to the observed involuntary movements.

Occasionally One Sees a Fruit Fly (Drosophila Melanogaster) That Shakes