Uptake of Lipids by the Entomophilic Nematode Romanomermis culicivorax

Authors

  • Roger Gordon
  • Ian R. Burford
  • Terry-Lynn Young

Abstract

Romanomermis culicivorax juveniles were dissected out of Aedes aegypti larvae 7 days after infection and incubated under controlled conditions in isotonic saline containing a¹[sup4]C-labeled fatty acid (palmitic acid), monoacylglycerol (glycerol monoolein), or triacylglycerol (glycerol tripalmate) nutrient source. The mermithid absorbed each of these lipids from the incubation medium, the rate of uptake being greatest for glycerol monoolein. No lipase activity was detected in whole nematode homogenates or in the media in which the nematodes were incubated. It is suggested that the nematode transports complex lipid molecules across its outer cuticle intact. Key words: Aedes aegypti, fatly acid, lipase, mermithid, monoacylglycerol, nutrition, triacylglycerol.

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Published

1982-10-15

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Section

Articles