Kai Zinn and colleagues have defined a subset of BDSC deficiency stocks that produce homozygous embryos with recognizable nervous systems and intact body walls (get stock numbers for this kit). These deficiencies encompass >80% of the genome and can be screened for anatomical phenotypes. The paper describing this kit suggested an order in which the deficiencies should be screened (indicated in the table below):
(1) Deficiencies that can be balanced over a GFP-marked balancer and produce intact homozygous embryos.
(2) Similar deficiencies that may be redundant.
(3) Deficiencies that cannot be balanced with a GFP-marked balancer.
(4) Deficiencies producing homozygous embryos with very severe phenotypes.

In addition, Kai Zinn and colleagues defined a subset of these deficiencies that produce homozygous embryos with relatively normal development to late stage 16 (get stock numbers for this kit). This set, which covers ~50% of the genome, can be used to screen for genes involved in embryonic organ development.

Primary reference: Wright et al. (2010) “Systematic Screening of Drosophila Deficiency Mutations for Embryonic Phenotypes and Orphan Receptor Ligands”, PLoS ONE 5(8):e12288.

Please cite those who generated and analyzed these materials when publishing your own work with these and other Stock Center stocks.