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D. Disposal of Nasonia and Sarcophaga
Nasonia and Sarcophaga can be disposed of using two methods:
1. Create a "morgue" by partially filling a container with 10% isopropyl alcohol. Drop the
Nasonia and Sarcophaga to be euthanized into the alcohol and cover the container with a lid.
~ OR ~
2. Place Nasonia and Sarcophaga to be euthanized into a container and cover it with a lid.
Place this container into a freezer and let it sit for at least two hours.
3. After euthanization, the container used for either method can be disposed of in
a wastebasket.
V. Haplodiploid Inheritance in Nasonia
The unique reproductive strategy of Nasonia is known as haplodiploid inheritance and is also common
to many other insects, such as bees. Nasonia exhibit a form of asexual reproduction, known as
parthenogenesis, in which an organism is able to develop from an unfertilized egg. As a result,
when the eggs are not fertilized, offspring will be haploid (n) and male. In turn, when the eggs are
fertilized by a male, the chromosome number is restored to the diploid state (2n) and the offspring
will be female (figure 7).
Figure 7
Female (2n) Male (n)
X
Meiotic Egg Formation Meiotic Egg Formation
Egg (n) Sperm (n)
Fertilization
Parthenogenesis
Females (2n)
Males (n)