Figure 2

Drosophila melanogaster climbing and flight abilities are reduced by 100% CO₂ in a dose-dependent manner.

Flies were exposed to 100% CO₂ for the times (minutes) noted in the legend and allowed to recover for varying times and assayed for the ability to climb and fly. (a) CO₂ exposure inhibited climbing at all recovery time points assayed. Compared to the flies that were exposed for 10 minutes, the five minute exposure flies climbed better at all recovery time points, while the 30 minute exposed flies performed worse at the one and two hour recovery time points. (b) Flight was reduced in flies exposed to 100% CO₂ for five minutes for up to four hours and for 8 hours in flies exposed for 10 minutes. Flies that were exposed for 15 or 30 minutes had reduced flight at all recovery time points assayed. Compared to the flies that were exposed for 10 minutes, the 30 minute exposure flies performed worse at all recovery time points, while the 15 minute exposed flies flew less only at the 24 hour recovery time point. The Air-exposed points represent the average of all controls performed for that time point; however, the statistical analysis (Student’s t-test) was performed with the individual control flies for each exposure length. The data points represent the mean ± SEM of the percentage of flies able to climb or fly. a = P < 0.01 vs. Air control flies, b = P < 0.05 vs. 10 minute CO₂ flies.