Mutations in these genes result in abnormal or failed development of polarization in the Drosophila embryo. Nusslein-Volhard's experiments in 1979 identified and characterized all mutant alleles that affected the dorsal-ventral axis. Genes affecting dorsal-ventral polarization fall into two categories:
Biological warfare (BW)âalso known as germ warfare âis the use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi with the intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of war.
Biological warfare became more sophisticated against both animals and humans during the 1900s. During World War I, the Germans developed anthrax, glanders, cholera, and a wheat fungus for use as biological weapons.