Neutron Activation Analysis for Phosphorus in a Study of Development in a Beetle Wing

Abstract

Neutron activation analysis was used to measure phosphorus in individual beetle wings during pupal and early adult stages. By counting neutroninduced P³² radioactivity it was possible to measure 0.005 ± 0.001, µg of phosphorus. The phosphorus content of the wings rises to maximum at eclosion and subsequently decreases with loss of cells.