Laboratory Techniques in Drosophila Development Studies

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and procedures related to laboratory methods used in studying Drosophila development.

DAPI

A fluorescent stain that binds to the minor groove of A-T-rich regions of DNA, fluorescing bright blue under UV light.

Permeabilization

The process that allows DAPI to penetrate tissues by compromising the cell membrane and cuticle to enable uniform staining.

Fixation

The preservation of cellular structure using agents like paraformaldehyde or formaldehyde.

Gastrulation

A crucial phase in embryonic development characterized by the invagination of the mesoderm.

Drosophila embryos

Model organisms used in developmental biology studies due to their short generation time and well-characterized genetics.

Transgene

An introduced gene from another organism that is inserted into the genome of an organism.

Reporter gene

A gene that produces a measurable product, indicating the activity or expression level of other genes.

Hox genes

Genes that determine segment identity along the anterior-posterior axis in an organism during development.

Segmentation genes

A group of genes in Drosophila responsible for establishing the segmented body plan, including maternal effect, gap, and pair-rule genes.

Photobleaching

The degradation of fluorescent dyes due to excessive exposure to light, necessitating cover slips during microscopy.

Chemical waste disposal

The process of safely disposing of hazardous materials, such as DAPI, in designated chemical waste containers to ensure safety.

Chorion

The outer layer of an embryo that can be removed to expose the developing embryo, often using bleach.

Embryonic staging

The process of assessing the developmental stage of embryos based on morphological features.

DAPI staining evaluation

Assessing the quality of DAPI staining to ensure high-quality visualization of nuclear structures.

Cuticle patterns

Morphological features in Drosophila that develop during later embryonic stages, indicating segmentation.