Summary
The larval peritrophic membrane ofMelipona quadrifasciata (Hym., Apoidea) was studied with respect to morphological, histochemical, and histophysical properties in the four larval instars prior to intestinal discharge.
The peritrophic membrane is composed of acid and neutral polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, whose concentrations apparently vary with the larval instar. There are also granules of calcium and acid mucopolysaccharides. The aggregation of macromolecules (mainly acid polysaccharides and proteins) in the peritrophic membrane is revealed by birefringence and dichroism phenomena.
Since the same components which make up the membrane are also found in the midgut cells and in most cases they show a similar ordering molecular organization, it is assumed that the larval peritrophic membrane is secreted by the entire length of the midgut epithelium.
Migration of enzymic products from the midgut cells to the lumen and of digested food in the reverse direction may depend on concentration and aggregation of the substances (mainly mucopolysaccharides) which make up the membrane. The main function assumed for the peritrophic membrane is that of a diffusion controller.
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The support of Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de S. Paulo (Proc. 70/371) is gratefully acknowledged. The authors are also indebted to Prof.Warwick E.Kerr, for generous supply of bees and to Prof.Murray Blum for helping with the manuscript.
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Mello, M.L.S., Vidal, B.C. & Valdrighi, L. The larval peritrophic membrane ofMelipona quadrifasciata (Hymenoptera Apoidea). Protoplasma 73, 349–365 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01273939
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01273939