Stage dependent synthesis of heat shock induced proteins in early embryos of Drosophila melanogaster.

The synthesis of heat shock proteins (hsp) has been examined during the early embryogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster. Normal protein synthesis stops after heat shock at all developmental stages, while hsp synthesis is induced only after treatment at blastoderm and later stages. The small hsps continue to be synthesised after heat shock for a longer period than the larger ones. Heat shocks at 35 degrees C, 37 degrees C and 40 degrees C were compared for their effect on hsp synthesis and the effect of heat shock on the normal course of development was analysed.