Effects of purine amino groups on the development of Drosophila

The effect of a variety of 6-substituted purines on development of Drosophila melanogaster, eggs and larva, were studied. Purine and 2,6-diaminopurine both were very toxic to egg development. Adenine and 2,6-diaminopurine were moderately and equally toxic to larva development. Substitution on the 6-position of the purine ring was very effective in regulating metamorphosis of Drosophila.