Protocol describes how subcellular-sized particles are accelerated to high velocity to carry double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into Drosophila embryos. The major advantage of this procedure over microinjection (Microinjection of dsRNA into Drosophila Embryos) is that particle bombardment is easier and faster to perform. In addition, the mechanical trauma received is far less than by microinjection, allowing better survival of embryos and fewer phenotypic artifacts. - [Read Delivery of dsRNA into Drosophila Embryos by Gene Gun Protocol]
Protocol uses FAM-(6-carboxy-fluorescein) or JOE-(6-carboxy-4', 5' -dichloro-2',7' -dimethoxy-fluorescein) labeled LUX (Light Upon eXtension) primers, which can quantify 100 or fewer copies of the target DNA in a background of nonspecific templates, over a broad dynamic range of less than 100-107 copies. It uses uracil deglycosylase (UDG) to minimize the risk of carryover contamination, and includes a melting curve analysis of the product. - [Read Real-Time PCR Protocol]