| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Costa, Rosileia A. C.
;
da Cruz-Landim, Carminda
Total Authors: 2
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Genetics and Molecular Research; v. 4, n. 4, p. 8-pg., 2005-01-01. |
| Abstract | |
Hydrolytic enzymes from hypopharyngeal gland extracts of newly emerged, nurse and foraging workers of two eusocial bees, Scaptotrigona postica, a native Brazilian stingless bee, and the Africanized honey bee (Apis mellifera) in Brazil, were compared. The hypopharyngeal gland is rich in enzymes in both species. Fifteen different enzymes were found in the extracts, with only a few quantitative differences between the species. Some of the enzymes present in the extracts may have intracellular functions, while others seem to be digestive enzymes. Scaptotrigona postica, had lower beta-glucosidase and higher lipase esterase activities than A. mellifera. The differences may be due to different feeding habits and behavioral peculiarities of the two species. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 99/00719-6 - Africanized honeybees: an integrated analysis of the africanization process of Apis mellifera, focusing on determinants in fertility of drones, queens and workers |
| Grantee: | Zilá Luz Paulino Simões |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |