The regulation of the shape and size of the brain and wing disc in Drosophila melanogaster

The diverse forms of life we see are generated, at least in part, by differences in their body shapes, and this can be moulded by environmental conditions. Correct regulation of body shape involves controlling the rates and the duration of organ growth. Using the fruit fly as the study organism, this thesis highlights that organs and their constituent parts show distinct growth properties throughout development. In addition, organ compartments differ in their sensitivity to environmental conditions, and body shape can vary depending on such conditions. These findings imply a more complex development of final body shape than previously understood.