A sex-transformation gene in Drosophila melanogaster

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Abstract
A sex-transformation gene, tra-2OTF of Drosophila melanogaster is described. The gene is an allele of tra-2 (transformer-2, 2–70±), acts only on XX individuals and transforms them into morphologically nearly normal but sterile males. Neither a male-specific lethal gene mle nor the male-killing maternally transmitted infectious SR-agent have any effect on the tra-2OTF transformed flies. External as well as internal reproductive organs of tra-2OTF transformed flies, except for the gonads, are male. The gonads, which are yellowish-colored rudimentary testis-like structures in tra-2 transformed flies, are rudimentary ovaries without yellowish coloration that sometimes develop to near maturity. Numbers of bristles in each of the second through fifth abdominal sternite are of the female pattern in tra-2OTF and tra-2OTF/tra-2 transformed flies, while these bristles are of the male pattern in tra-2 transformed flies. Furthermore, the sixth ab dominal sternite, which in normal males as well as in tra-2 transformed males lacks bristles, bears numbers of bristles in tra-2OTF and tra-2OTF/tra-2 transformed flies.