Defect in cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase due to the dunce mutation of learning in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract
The possibility that cAMP participates in learning mechanisms can be explored using genetic mutants. For this purpose, D. melanogaster is suitable as it is genetically well characterized. Independent searches for mutations of olfactory learning and of cAMP metabolism, and for mutations causing female infertility have each led to the same gene.sbd.the dunce gene. The normal dunce gene may specify cAMP phosphodiesterase.