The image presented below features a triple-labeled Drosophila embryo at the cellular blastoderm stage. The specimen was immunofluorescently tagged with antibodies to the hairy protein in red, Kruppel repressor in green and the giant protein in blue. A variety of color combinations were produced by "channel surfing" in Photoshop.

Fruit Fly Embryo Specimen: Drosophila Embryo Technique: Fluorescence (Triple Label) and Photoshop Channels

Although the general population may not appreciate the fruit fly, this insect is a favorite for scientific research, and has made enormous contributions in the field of genetics. Initially, Drosophila were utilized almost exclusively as specimens in genetic research, but more recently, the fruit fly has been used in the study of developmental biology, with particular emphasis on the embryonic phase. There is also a growing body of research that focuses on the adult fruit fly, with the compound eye being of particular interest.