Burscion Regulation of Neuronal Apoptosis in Drosophila Melanogaster

Abstract

When an adult fly emerges from its pupal case, its survival is dependent on successful adaptation of its new body plan to the environment. One of the first changes is darkening and hardening of the cuticle , or tanning (Reynolds,1985). Upon eclosion, the cuticle is soft and pale, and provides little protection (Reynolds, 1985). It is important for the fly to stiffen its cuticle as soon as possible, to protect against physical damage, predation, and water loss (Reynolds, 1985).