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    • Fulltext

       

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      Permanent link:
      https://www.ias.ac.in/article/fulltext/jbsc/028/06/0753-0764

    • Keywords

       

      Bee; electron microscopy; larval salivary gland; light microscopy; polarized light microscopy; silk gland

    • Abstract

       

      The mechanism of silk formation inApis mellifera salivary glands, during the 5th instar, was studied. Larval salivary glands were dissected and prepared for light and polarized light microscopy, as well as for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that silk formation starts at the middle of the 5th instar and finishes at the end of the same instar. This process begins in the distal secretory portion of the gland, going towards the proximal secretory portion; and from the periphery to the center of the gland lumen. The silk proteins are released from the secretory cells as a homogeneous substance that polymerizes in the lumen to form compact birefringent tactoids. Secondly, the water absorption from the lumen secretion, carried out by secretory and duct cells, promotes aggregation of the tactoids that form a spiral-shape filament with a zigzag pattern. This pattern is also the results of the silk compression in the gland lumen and represents a high concentration of macromolecularly well-oriented silk proteins.

    • Author Affiliations

       

      Elaine C M Silva-Zacarin1 Regina L M Silva De Moraes1 S R Taboga2

      1. Depto. Biologia, IB, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Avenida 24- A, n.1515, Rio Claro (SP) - 13506-900, Brasil
      2. Depto. Biologia, IBILCE, São José do Rio Preto (SP), Brasil

    • Dates

       
      Published
      December 2003
      Manuscript received
      17 January 2003
      Accepted
      24 September 2003

  • Journal of Biosciences | News

      Forthcoming Special issue.


    • To trigger further research on plant mitochondria, the Journal of Biosciences is bringing out a special issue titled "Plant Mitochondria: Properties and Interactions with Other Organelles".


      Plant mitochondria are quite distinct and have unique features, such as a cyanide-insensitive alternate pathway. They also interact with chloroplasts to optimize photosynthetic carbon assimilation.


      Submissions are welcome until 30 July 2023. The contributions can be original articles, short communications, reviews, or mini-reviews on any topic related to plant mitochondria.


      Authors can submit their articles online at https://www.editorialmanager.com/jbsc/default2.aspx

      Posted on April 12, 2023
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      Posted on July 25, 2019

      Click here for Editorial Note on CAP Mode

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