Figure 1From: Embryonic desiccation resistance in Aedes aegypti: presumptive role of the chitinized Serosal CuticleAbrupt acquisition of desiccation resistance in Aedes aegypti embryogenesis is related to serosal cuticle formation. Pools of synchronized eggs at different embryonic ages were air-dried for 15 minutes (see items 2 and 3 of Methods). (A) The percentage of intact eggs was evaluated. Black arrow: end of embryogenesis. (B) 11-HAE and (C) 13-HAE eggs after 15 minutes air-exposure. The abrupt acquisition of impermeability between 11 and 13 hours of development is coincident with the appearance of the serosal cuticle, as determined by chlorine digestion (item 5 of Methods). (D) 11-HAE egg after 15 minutes exposure to chlorine. White dashed arrows: extrusion of cellular contents. (E) 13-HAE egg exposed to chlorine for 30 minutes. Note chorion almost complete disintegration. Black arrow: transparent serosal cuticle around the embryo. White arrows: reminiscent chorion.Back to article page