Synaptic Modulation in Drosophila After Exposure to Prolonged Light

Begin with freshly eclosed Drosophila melanogaster flies in a collection vial containing nutrients.

Place these vials in a transparent acrylic rack.

Position the rack inside an incubator equipped with an internal light source at a precise distance to provide uniform and desired light exposure.

Rear the flies under these light conditions for a prolonged period.

In Drosophila eyes, the photoreceptor cells act as sensory neurons, detecting the light and converting it into electrical signals.

These signals travel along the axon and reach the synaptic terminals, where they connect with other neurons.

These terminals possess the Bruchpilot proteins, which facilitate the fusion of neurotransmitter-carrying vesicles to the cell membrane, allowing neurotransmitter release.

The released neurotransmitters bind to the receptors on the postsynaptic neurons to transmit the electrical signal, leading to synaptic activity.

With continuous exposure to light, the Bruchpilot protein level decreases, reducing neurotransmitter release and resulting in the plasticity or modulation of synaptic activity.