Hydrocarbon biosynthesis in Triatoma infestans eggs

✍ Scribed by Dr. Patricia Juárez

• Book ID: 102748330
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1994
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 750 KB
• Volume: 25
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0739-4462
• DOI: 10.1002/arch.940250303

✦ Synopsis

Triatoma infestans eggs are shown to synthesize hydrocarbons. Radio-gas chromatography was used to demonstrate metabolism of [l -'4C]pr~pionate into precursor methyl-branched fatty acids and into methyl-branched hydrocarbons in T. infestans eggs. These reactions have not been demonstrated previously in insect eggs. An in vivo study showed that hydrocarbons are also transported to eggs by the hemolymph. Inhibition of hydrocarbon synthesis by sodium trichloroacetate (NaTCA) was correlated with reduced oviposition, reduced hatchability, and reduced insect survival. Scanning electron microscopy showed impoverishment of the eggs' epicuticular waxes following NaTCA treatment. Q 1994 Witey-Liss, Inc.