Summary
The distribution of cellulase activity in the guts of workers of the termiteT. trinervoides was investigated. Approximately 70% of the total activity was found in the midgut and about 40% oif this occurs in the midgut wall. The appearance and distribution of gut bacteria is described. It is concluded that, in this species, the cellulase is synthesised by the termites themselves.
Résumé
On a fait des recherches sur la distribution de l'activité cellulolytique dans les intestins des termites ouvrièresT. trinervoides. 70% à peu près de l'activité totale a lieu dans l'intestin moyen, dont environ 40% dans la paroi de l'intestin moyen. L'aspect et la distribution des bactéries intestinales sont décrits. On en conclut que, dans ces espèces, la cellulase est synthétisée par les termites elles-mêmes.
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Potts, R.C., Hewitt, P.H. The distribution of intestinal bacteria and cellulase activity in the harvester termiteTrinervitermes trinervoides (Nasutitermitinae). Ins. Soc 20, 215–220 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02223191
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02223191