Olfactory Neurogenetics

Abstract

The term neurogenetics has two different meanings. In an instrumental sense, it simply indicates the use of mutants or genetic techniques for studying issues of neurobiological importance. Examples are the application of enhancer-trap lines as neuron-type specific markers or the genetic “surgery” provided by homoeotically transformed appendages, which allows study of the specificity of afferent projections. Neurogenetics in an analytical sense attempts to explain the molecular mechanisms and interactions of genes that affect the nervous system. It tries to understand how far the nervous system is genetically programmed. Generally speaking, analytical neurogenetics seeks to elucidate the relations between genes, neurons and behaviour.