Ankyrin 2 expression, Drosophila Embryo

Drosophila embryos showing the expression of ankyrin 2 messenger RNA (mRNA; blue in colour) at different stages of development. mRNA carries the genetic information required to make the protein, out of the nucleus to the site of protein production in the cell. The cytoskeletal protein ankyrin 2 supports the plasma membrane in neuronal cells. Ankyrin expression is activated only when the nervous system starts to develop (stage 10; upper right image). Starting in the upper left image and moving clockwise: successively older stages of development (embryo stages 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, and 17). Width of each image is 500 micrometers. In situ hybridisation imaged by differential interference contrast (DIC) light microscopy.