title: Chitin biosynthesis in imaginal discs cultured in vitro.
abstract: We have investigated the stimulation of cuticle production by imaginal discs ofPlodia interpunctella in tissue culture. We turned to biochemical methods to assess the quantitative effects of beta-ecdysone on chitin biosynthesis in wing discs incubated with 0.5 μC of C14-glucosamine for the final 24 h of culture.We demonstrated that imaginal discs ofP. interpunctella respond to increasing concentrations of β-ecdysone with increased synthesis. The threshold is between 0.01 and 0.1 μg/ml of hormone (2×10-8M to 2×10-7M). These data represent the first demonstration of quantitative biosynthesis of chitin by a developing tissue in vitro in relation to varying amounts of hormone. Additionally, protein synthesis during the β-ecdysone-dependent period was necessary for chitin synthesis. This system thus lends itself to a detailed investigation of the control of chitin biosynthesis.
authors.affiliation: Insect Attractants, Behavior and Basic Biology Research Laboratory, Federal Research, Science and Education Administration USDA, 32604, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Oberlander
authors.affiliation: Insect Attractants, Behavior and Basic Biology Research Laboratory, Federal Research, Science and Education Administration USDA, 32604, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Ferkovich
authors.affiliation: Insect Attractants, Behavior and Basic Biology Research Laboratory, Federal Research, Science and Education Administration USDA, 32604, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Van Essen
authors.affiliation: Insect Attractants, Behavior and Basic Biology Research Laboratory, Federal Research, Science and Education Administration USDA, 32604, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Leach
keywords: Chitin biosynthesis; Ecdysone; Imaginal Disc(s); In vitro; Tissue culture