Supplementary Table 1. Glossary

Supplementary Table 1. Glossary.

Alleles / Since traditionally genes are defined by the mutations (see Drosophila gene names), it is not uncommon to have differently named "genes" turning out to be the same genetic identity when they are cloned. Killer-of-prune (K-pn) and abnormal wing discs (awd) are good examples. These previously differently named "genes" are therefore different alleles of the same gene. In such cases, "alleles" simply refers to different versions (mutations) of the same gene.
Complementation / The term refers to the outcome of a genetic cross between two recessive mutations. For example, if homozygous A and homozygous B lethal mutations cannot produce viable progenies after crossing, they are non-complementation alleles. In most cases, this will indicate that A and B are different alleles of the same gene. In rare cases, non-complementation can occur between two different genes when their function or expression is inter-dependent.
Drosophila gene names / Traditionally, the Drosophila genes are named after the phenotypes the mutations cause. For example, prune gene is named after the abnormal brownish-purple eye color—like a prune—instead of the normal bright red color.
Hemizygous mutant / Hemizygous mutant refers to the presence of only one copy of a gene, either wild-type or mutant. In male, all genes on the X-chromosome will be hemizygous since there is no second copy of the X-chromosome. Hemizygosity can also occur for mutations on other chromosomes when the other copy of the gene is deleted.
Neomorphic mutation / The term describes a type of mutation that shows a "new" phenotype different from the known mutant phenotype of the same gene. This usually indicates that the mutation alters the property of the mutated protein so it gains a new activity (or an ectopic target). This contrasts the more broadly termed gain-of-function mutation, which can include an enhanced existing activity (by over-expression, for example).
Revertant / Revertant describes a mutation that can reduce or ameliorate the phenotype of another mutation. This genetic interaction is also called "rescue".