X-gal protocol

[Alan C. Christensen, Ph.D.]

Hello.  We are getting frustrated with protocols for staining embryos
with X-gal.  We've tried the protocols in Ashburner's Manual, as well
as some other published procedures, and they don't work very 
reliably.  Often the stain is diffuse throughout the embryo rather
than in a pattern, and more often, they don't stain at all, but just
turn light brown.  Could someone please help with a detailed
protocol, as well as some hints on troubleshooting?

Thanks, in advance,

Alan Christensen,  achristensen at unl.edu
School of Biological Sciences
University of Nebraska
348 Manter Hall
Lincoln, NE 68588-0118