Cell lines derived from late embryonic stages of Drosophila melanogaster.

The development of three cell lines initiated from the late embryonic stages of Drosophila melanogaster is described. The primary cultures consisted of trypsinized fragments from embryos 20-24 h old. The length of time between primary culture and subsequent subculture varied from 8 months for the first line to 3 weeks for the third. All three lines have been maintained in vitro for more than a year. The characteristics of each line are given and evidence is presented that at least one line is derived from imaginal disc cells. A few comments on insect tissue culture in general are also made.