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Mini Lab 1 – Fruit Fly
Mac Long Thien Huong
Fulbright University Vietnam
IS212: Cell Biology
Professor Nguyen Thi Hong Dung, Ph.D.
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Introduction:
Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) is a common model organism in biological research due to its
applicable nature and usefulness. Some of the most recognizable advantages of this model are: a
short life cycle, ease of maintenance, and genetic similarity to humans. This experiment aims to
observe the life cycle of the Drosophila melanogaster (egg, larva, pupa, and adulthood),
highlighting its key developmental stages and significance in biological research. A deeper
understanding through observation is crucial for studies in genetics, developmental biology, and
neurobiology, as it provides insights into gene function, cellular processes, and disease
mechanisms.
Methodology:
1. Preparation of Drosophila melanogaster culture
Firstly, a Drosophila melanogaster culture medium needs to be constructed. This medium is
made of agar, cornmeal, yeast, and fruit (banana).
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Figure 1.1: Agar, saccharose, yeast, propionic acid mixture
The adult fruit fly is then introduced into a transparent container lightly to prevent injury. Lastly,
the container is sealed with transparent food wrap with holes to allow airflow while preventing
escape. Keep the container in a cool place for a week or more in order to observe its life cycle.
Figure 1.2: Introduction of adult Fruit Fly to container (culture)
2. Observation of Life Cycle Stages:
There are 4 main stages in the life cycle of Drosophila melanogaster: Egg stage, Larval stage,
Pupal Stage, and Adult Stage. During the Egg stage, eggs were observed on the surface of the
culture medium within 24 hours of introducing adult flies. The eggs are small, oval, and
translucent with a hint of egg-wash color. The Larval stage emerged from the eggs
approximately a day after the Egg stage. The larval feed in the culture medium and grew
significantly in size over the next 4 to 5 days. During the Pupal stage, The Larvae formed on the
sides of the vial after 5 to 7 days. Pupal cases will progressively get darker in color as
metamorphosis progresses. Lastly, there is the Adult stage where fruit flies will emerge from the
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pupal case after 7 to 10 days. Males and females are distinguished based on their size with
female fruit flies being bigger.
Result:
3. Observation of Morphological Characteristics of Drosophila melanogaster
The observation focused on four main morphological characteristics of the Drosophila
melanogaster sample including body color, eye color, wing shape, and presence of antenna. The
sample observed has a more rounded and darker abdomen, suggesting that it might be a male.
The body color of the sample is light tan/yellowish with black stripes on the abdomen indicating
that it is a mature adult that has been around for about 1 to 2 weeks. The eye color of the sample
is bright red (due to pigment granules), indicating that it is a wild-type fly. The wing shapes are
long, well-informed, translucent, and slightly iridescent, extending over the abdomen. The
sample observed has a segmented antennae near its head.
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Figure 1.3: Fruit Fly sample observed through microscope.
Discussion
The observation of Drosophila melanogaster’s life cycle provided valuable insights into the
developmental stages of this model organism. The short life cycle and distinct stages make the
Fruit Fly an ideal subject for studying genetic and developmental processes. Many Nobel-
winning researchers have been credited with using the Drosophila melanogaster with many
jokingly saying that the fruit fly and Nobel prize has a love affair. Today, scientist believes that
approximately 75% of known human disease genes have recognizable matches in fruit flies
(McKie, 2017) which further proves the significance and applicability of fruity to studying the
secret of human physiology and biology. A further field of study could explore the effects of
environmental factors on the life cycle duration and development of Drosophila melanogaster.
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References
Ashburner, M., Golic, K. G., & Hawley, R. S. (2005). Drosophila: A Laboratory Handbook.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
Greenspan, R. J. (2004). Fly Pushing: The Theory and Practice of Drosophila Genetics. Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
McKie, R. (2017). Why the humble fruit fly is a darling of Nobel prize-winning scientists. The
Guardian.https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/oct/07/fruit-fly-fascination-nobel-prizes-
genetics
