Preparing Drosophila for Tissue Processing

Extract

All insects have an exoskeleton made of chitin, which is a protein that is hard and impervious to moisture. To enable processing reagents to more effectively enter the body cavity, a small slit in the abdomen can be made. For very small insects, such as the fruit fly, Drosophila, micro dissecting tools can be made from commonly found items such as insulated electrical wire, double edged razor blades and wood applicator sticks.