The role of glycogen during the ontogenesis of Chironomus anthracinus (Chironomidae, Diptera)

Large fluctuations in glycogen content were found in larvae, pupae and adults of Chironomus anthracinus (Zetterstedt) from the profundal zone of Lake Esrom, Denmark. In 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae the glycogen concentration (expressed as percentage of dry weight) increased during periods of aerob...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: HAMBURGER, K, LINDEGAARD, C, DALL, P. C
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Biochemistry. Physiology. Immunology
Biological and medical sciences
Chironomidae
Chironomus anthracinus
Diptera
Freshwater
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Insecta
Invertebrates
Physiology. Development
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Large fluctuations in glycogen content were found in larvae, pupae and adults of Chironomus anthracinus (Zetterstedt) from the profundal zone of Lake Esrom, Denmark. In 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae the glycogen concentration (expressed as percentage of dry weight) increased during periods of aerobic conditions to a maximum of 25%, but decreased in periods of hypoxia longer than two months to 10-12% in young larvae. A further decrease to about 5% took place, when moulting from 2nd to 3rd or from 3rd to 4th instar occurred after overturn. Prior to pupation the glycogen concentration was restored to 26-28%. The glycogen concentration approximated 22% in young pupae, but decreased during the pupal stage and newly hatched adults contained 12-15%. Finally, the glycogen store of both males and females was further reduced during the swarming period. Thus, glycogen seems to be an important energy source (1) during periods with hypoxic conditions, (2) during periods with high internal energy requirement such as ecdyses and metamorphosis, and (3) during the non-feeding adult life stage.
ISSN:0018-8158
1573-5117
DOI:10.1007/BF00014131