Screening Mutants by Single Fly Genomic PCR

Abstract

Imprecise P-element excision or FRT-mediated recombination is routinely performed to mutagenize a gene of interest. It is, however, tedious to maintain all independent and individual excised mutant fly lines before the presence of a mutation is confirmed. Here, we provide a method to detect and confirm the presence of a mutation, as and when mutant flies are generated. By allowing for the maintenance and expansion of only the confirmed mutant lines, this protocol will help to save time, money, and space.