Science Heritage Journal | Galeri Warisan Sains (GWS)

Drosophila melanogaster has become an indispensable model organism in toxicology research due to its rapid life cycle, robust genetic toolkit, and significant genetic overlap with humans (≈75% of disease-related genes). Drosophila melanogaster serves as a valuable model for evaluating neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and metabolic disturbances. This study employed a systematic methodology to identify relevant literature on Drosophila melanogaster in toxicity testing, regulatory frameworks, and environmental health. The selection process prioritized toxicological research, regulatory relevance, and recent advancements from 2022 to 2025. Drosophila melanogaster models cellular and molecular responses to toxicants, leveraging its life cycle and genetic features despite limitations such as the size and structural differences and certain metabolic differences. Drosophila melanogaster offers unique advantages in genetic manipulation and rapid result generation compared to other models like Caenorhabditis elegans, zebrafish, and mice, which provide complementary insights. Additionally, established regulatory and ethical guidelines support its widespread use in toxicology. Real-life case studies underscore its predictive value in environmental and pharmaceutical toxicology, bridging the gap between in vitro assays and more complex mammalian models. Overall, Drosophila melanogaster stands as a pivotal organism for advancing our understanding of toxic mechanisms and improving risk assessment protocols in toxicology research.