Analysis of Ovarian Structure and Cell Health in Drosophila melanogaster After Toxic Metal Treatment
Presenter(s)
Brooke Helling
Abstract
This project examines how the application of multiple histological and fluorescent stains can be used to visualize the structure of fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) ovaries, including how toxic metal exposure may affect ovarian tissue. Ovaries were dissected from adult female flies, and some flies were first treated with toxic metals to observe possible changes in cell structure. The samples were stained with DAPI to label nuclei, antibody stains to detect specific proteins within the ovary, and apoptosis stains to identify cells undergoing programmed cell death. After staining, the ovaries were imaged using a fluorescence microscope to compare how healthy and metal exposed tissues looked; and to visualize spatial relationships among different stages of oogenesis. By testing multiple staining techniques this project develops a simple and reliable method for visualizing ovarian structure, protein expression, and cell health. These results help us better understand ovary organization and provide a foundation for studying how environmental toxins influence reproductive biology.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Biology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Christopher Groen
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 11:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1b=10am-11am
Poster Number
34
Analysis of Ovarian Structure and Cell Health in Drosophila melanogaster After Toxic Metal Treatment
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
This project examines how the application of multiple histological and fluorescent stains can be used to visualize the structure of fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) ovaries, including how toxic metal exposure may affect ovarian tissue. Ovaries were dissected from adult female flies, and some flies were first treated with toxic metals to observe possible changes in cell structure. The samples were stained with DAPI to label nuclei, antibody stains to detect specific proteins within the ovary, and apoptosis stains to identify cells undergoing programmed cell death. After staining, the ovaries were imaged using a fluorescence microscope to compare how healthy and metal exposed tissues looked; and to visualize spatial relationships among different stages of oogenesis. By testing multiple staining techniques this project develops a simple and reliable method for visualizing ovarian structure, protein expression, and cell health. These results help us better understand ovary organization and provide a foundation for studying how environmental toxins influence reproductive biology.
Comments
Helling, Brooke E