Location of the LSP-1 Genes in Drosophila Species by IN SITU Hybridization.

The locations of the larval serum protein one (LSP-1) alpha, beta and gamma genes were determined in Drosophila melanogaster and in 14 other species of Drosophila by in situ hybridization to polytene chromosomes. The LSP-1 alpha gene mapped to bands 11B on the X chromosome, the LSP-1 beta gene mapped to bands 21D-E on chromosome 2L, and the LSP-1 gamma gene mapped to band 61A in all the melanogaster subgroup species. In eight other species, both the LSP-1 alpha and beta genes mapped to one site on Muller's element E which corresponds to chromosome 3R of D. melanogaster. No hybridization of LSP-1 gamma was detected in these eight species. Restriction enzyme digestion and analysis of genomic DNA by filter transfer hybridization confirmed the presence of LSP-1 alpha-like and beta-like genes in seven of these species. These results are discussed with respect to conservation of the chromosomal elements in the genus Drosophila.