The cellular dynamics of pattern formation in the eye of Drosophila

The establishment and early development of the ommatidial bundles in the presumptive eye of Drosophila have been investigated using electron microscopic serial sectioning. A progression of developmental stages has been characterized. Initially simple, symmetrically constructed bundles develop into asymmetrical, more complex constructions. Computer graphic reconstruction has been used to show the three-dimensional structure of the various ommatidial bundles. Autoradiography has been used to locate the position of a region of cell division which is intimately associated with the formation of the ommatidial bundles.