Studies on the effects of neomycin on puffing in Chironomus

Fourth instar Chironomus sp. larvae were used. Isolated salivaries (1/2) were incubated in RINGER containing various amounts of neomycin sulphate for various durations. Another half of salivaries, incubated in RINGER for corresponding durations served for controls. for in vivo experiments larvae were exposed to distilled water containing neomycin. Analysis of squashed preparations has revealed that puffing varies with incubation period in in vitro experiments with low concentration of drug. In in vivo studies also puff induction was evident. Higher concentrations of neomycin both in in vivo or in vitro treatments disorganized chromosomes. Present results suggest that neomycin can activate genes in an insect (or in other words in eukaryotes).