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Electrophoretic Components of the Proteins in Honeybee Larval Food

Nature volume 186, pages 633–634 (1960)Cite this article

Abstract

THE proteins of the larval food of the honeybee, Apis mellifera L., have been resolved into a number of components by zone electrophoresis1–3. The total protein content of larval food (royal jelly) given to female larvæ being reared in queen cells remains fairly constant throughout the feeding period. However, a marked drop in total protein occurs in the food given to worker larvæ midway in the feeding period4. It has been observed that larvæ from worker cells can develop into fully mature adult queens if transferred to queen cells (receiving queen larval food or royal jelly) during the first three days of larval life5. The purpose of this communication is to note the relation of electrophoretic pattern of larval food proteins to the age and caste of the larvæ receiving the food.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology and Economic Zoology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, 1

    N. G. PATEL, M. H. HAYDAK & T. A. GOCHNAUER

Authors
  1. N. G. PATEL
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  2. M. H. HAYDAK
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  3. T. A. GOCHNAUER
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PATEL, N., HAYDAK, M. & GOCHNAUER, T. Electrophoretic Components of the Proteins in Honeybee Larval Food. Nature 186, 633–634 (1960). https://doi.org/10.1038/186633a0

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