Cuticle protein in Locusta migratoria

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Abstract

  • 1.

    1. The total protein content and the soluble proteins of the cuticle of male fifth instar and newly moulted adult locusts were analysed.

  • 2.

    2. Protein was deposited in cuticle in a stepwise manner whereas chitin deposition was continuous.

  • 3.

    3. Resorption of cuticular protein preceded resorption of chitin following apolysis.

  • 4.

    4. Immunological and electrophoretic analyses indicated that certain cuticular proteins were also present in the haemolymph.

  • 5.

    5. Certain water soluble proteins appeared to be characteristic of the newly deposited cuticle and were presumably bound to the cuticular matrix as development continued.

  • 6.

    6. Despite an increase in total soluble protein following apolysis, no evidence of new proteins was detected. It was deduced that the initial step in protein resorption from the old cuticle is the release of the protein from its cuticular bonds.

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