Comparative electrophoretic studies of third antennal segments of Drosophila melanogaster

1. Intact third segments of Drosophila antennae, where the sensilla involved in chemoreception are located, have been isolated. 2. Homogenates from flies differing in age and sex have been subjected to denaturing and non-denaturing electrophoresis. 3. Comparison of the polypeptide patterns shows differences related to developmental changes as well as specific female and male features pointing out sexual dimorphism, especially in adult flies. 4. These results also suggest that the technique of isolation as well as the comparative studies of third antennal segments should be useful for further investigations on Drosophila chemoreception.