Abstract

Overview

Drosophila, commonly studied as model organisms, are used for examining both biophysical mechanisms behind animal magnetoreception and the influence of weak, low-frequency anthropogenic electromagnetic fields.

Findings

• The study focuses on cryptochrome, a protein associated with magnetic compass sensing in migratory birds and linked to various magnetic behavioral responses in insects.
• It is demonstrated that magnetic fields of a few millitesla can affect the photo-induced electron transfer reactions in Drosophila melanogaster cryptochrome.
• The study highlights key kinetic differences compared to other members of the cryptochrome-photolyase family, facilitated by the presence of flavin and tryptophan radicals in the protein.
• A key aspect discussed is the radical pair mechanism and a photocycle that involves a fourth tryptophan electron donor, recently discovered.

Conclusion

The presence of millitesla magnetic fields demonstrates a significant impact on the behavior of the cryptochrome protein in Drosophila, potentially implicating broader implications for understanding EMF influences on biological organisms.