The fruit fly Drosophila is a useful organism for the investigation of the mechanisms by which
dietary restriction (DR) extends lifespan. Its relatively short generation time, well-
characterised molecular biology, genetics and physiology and ease of handling for
demographic analysis are all major strengths. Lifespan has been extended by DR applied to
adult Drosophila, by restriction of the availability of live yeast or by co-ordinate dilution of the
whole food medium. Lifespan increases to a maximum through DR with a progressive …