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COMPARISON BETWEEN HISTOLOGY TECHNIQUES USED ON ERISTALIS TENAX HEADS AND BRAINS**

Abstract

In pollinating insects, researchers have found that mushroom bodies, a brain structure, aids in movement and memory. We are interested in the relationship between mushroom bodies and light response behavior in Eristalis tenax, a pollinating fly species. To assess the relationship between E. tenax mushroom bodies and behavioral responses requires looking at their brain histology. The only E. tenax histology paper we were able to find was from 1895. Therefore, we needed to shift our current research aim to successfully performing modern histology on E. tenax heads (with exoskeleton) and brains (exoskeleton removed). To achieve our goal, we applied techniques used for model organisms, Drosophila melanogaster and Daphnia, including dissection, embedding, wax infiltration, and sectioning protocols. We used hematoxylin and eosin stains to obtain a visual on DNA material and membranes. While the histology for the tissues worked well, with visible and distinct cells in both heads and brains, we are looking to improve the consistency of results by using different fixatives, sectioning widths, and stains. As part of our ongoing research, we will be assessing techniques for making the mushroom body fluoresce, such as using specific antibodies that recognize mushroom body gene expression. Pioneering successful histology protocols for E. tenax will allow us to address our original question about mushroom body size relative to behavioral responses to light and may also be useful for others interested in similar questions.

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