Gut Chitinase Activity from Reticulitermes virginicus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Authors

  • Timothy J. Arquette
  • Jose M. Rodriguez

Abstract

Chitinase activity was measured from nonmolting workers of a subterranean termite, Reticulitermes virginicus Banks. The specific activity of cellulase was 6-fold greater than that of chitinase. An ability of R. virginicus to digest chitin would allow utilization of additional food resources that contain dietary nitrogen lacking in wood.

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Published

2013-09-19

Issue

Section

Scientific Notes