Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Physics (not Nanoscience)
Tracy Edwards - Hampton University
Co-Author(s): Monica Lacy and Shane Hutson,Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Drosophila melanogaster is a valuable model organism in studying cellular mechanics during embryonic stages. Fruit fly embryos undergo the process of germband retraction during the transition in the Larvae stage. Inside of the embryo, contains two types of epithelial cells. The germ band and amnioserosa. During this process, the germ band curves around the amnioserosa as it reduces in size until it is complexly dies off, while the germ band moves to cover the dorsal side of the embryo. The amnioserosa is a vital part in the germband retraction, because lack there off cause the retraction to be incomplete and for the embryo to die. The changes in the germ band shape are caused by internal and external force that drive vertical elongation. As we study the balance of anisotropy in during this stage, we hope to show its changes over time as germband retraction takes place.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): National Science Foundation
Faculty Advisor: Paul Gueye, paul.gueye@hamptonu.edu
Role: I conducted the experimental portion of the research including handling of organisms, collection of data and analysis of germband retraction.