Hydrolases in the hypopharyngeal glands of workers of Scaptotrigona postica and Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apinae)

Autor(es)

Costa, Rosileia A. C. ; da Cruz-Landim, Carminda

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Genetics and Molecular Research; v. 4, n. 4, p. 8-pg., 2005-01-01.

Resumo

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)

• Processo FAPESP: 98/00870-3 - Função das glândulas hipofaríngeas em Scaptotrigona postica Latreille, 1804 (Hymenopetera, Apidae, Meliponinae): análise citoquímica
• Beneficiário: Rosileia Ana Cassia da Costa
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 99/00719-6 - Abelhas africanizadas: análise integrada do processo de africanização de Apis mellifera com foco sobre determinantes da fertilidade de zangões, rainhas e operárias
• Beneficiário: Zilá Luz Paulino Simões
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático