Homozygous Efhc1.1^KO mutant flies are viable and have normal lifespan.

Synapses at third instar larval neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of homozygous Efhc1.1^KO mutants contain supernumerary boutons. The small supernumerary boutons protrude from the primary terminal axis or stem from the larger boutons. When compared with controls, a greater than three-fold increase in satellite boutons is observed at synaptic terminal that innervates muscle 4 in homozygous Efhc1.1^KO animals, although the total number of NMJ boutons, excluding varicosities, is similar in control and mutant larvae.

Compared with wild-type, Efhc1.1^KO/Df(1)ED7344 third-instar larvae have an increased number of satellite boutons.

Recordings of excitatory junctional potentials (EJPs) at the NMJ of Efhc1.1^KO-mutant third-instar larvae show that evoked neurotransmitter release is not altered. However, Efhc1.1^KO mutants show a significant increase in the spontaneous neurotransmitter release (or miniature EJPs).

Compared with wild-type controls, homozygous Efhc1.1^KO mutant third instar larvae display increased NMJ synapse size.

Homozygous Efhc1.1^KO engenders an increase in dendrite arborization. There is a small, but statistically significant, increase in the number of terminal endings in Efhc1.1^KO mutants compared with wild-type controls.