Abstract

Previous studles have shown the presence of different enzymes in the Drosophila species both before and after pupation. However, most of these works involved electrophoretic analyses of the whole larvae or pupae, but not a specific organ. The present study focused on the activities of three monogenic enzymes. Alpha-Glycerophosphate Dehydrogenase, Alcohol Dehydrogenase, and Esterase C, in the salivary glands of the Drosophila virilis during the third instar development. Using specific enzyme detecting stains, the salivary glands were observed under a microscope with 450X magnification and evaluated for a positive or negative enzyme presence at 140 hours, 160 hours, and 183 hours of age, or, early, middle, and late third instars.

Alpha-Glycerophosphate Dehydrogenase was found to be present only during the middle and late substages of the third instar.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase was not present during the late substage, but was present during the early and middle substages.

Esterase C was not present during any of the third instar substages.