The eyes of Drosophila develop from imaginal discs, groups of cells set aside in the fly embryo that differentiate into the adult structures during the pupal stage. Despite their importance in nature, eyes are dispensable for fruit-fly life in the laboratory.

What complications might arise from genetic screens targeting an organ that differentiates late in development?

Key Concepts

Imaginal Discs

Imaginal discs are clusters of undifferentiated cells in the larval stage of Drosophila that later develop into adult structures, including the eyes. These discs are crucial for the proper formation of organs during metamorphosis, as they undergo significant changes to form the complex structures seen in adult flies.

Pupal Stage Development

The pupal stage is a transformative phase in the life cycle of Drosophila where the larva undergoes metamorphosis to become an adult. During this stage, the imaginal discs differentiate into adult structures, making it a critical period for studying organ development and the effects of genetic mutations.

Genetic Screens

Genetic screens are experimental techniques used to identify and analyze genes that affect specific traits or developmental processes. Targeting organs that differentiate late, like the eyes in Drosophila, can complicate these screens because mutations may not manifest until later stages, potentially leading to missed or misinterpreted results regarding gene function.