Functional expression and ligand identification of homo- and heteromeric Drosophila melanogaster CO2 receptors in the Xenopus laevis oocyte system.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important olfactory cue in Drosophila melanogaster and can elicit both attractive and aversive behaviors. It is detected by gustatory receptors, Gr21a and Gr63a, found in the ab1C neuron in basiconic sensilla on the third antennal segment. Volatile substances that modulate the receptors' function are of interest for pest control.