Morphological specializations of the digestive tract of Zacryptocerus rohweri (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Journal of Morphology
Robin K Roche, Diana Esther Wheeler

Abstract

Light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy are used to examine the morphology and ultrastructure of the peculiar digestive tract of the turtle ant, Zacryptocerus rohweri. The proventriculus is heavily sclerotized and covered with clusters of small spines. Narrow spine-lined channels converging at the opening to the midgut act as a fine filter of food; particles >12.5 μm are unable to pass through the proventriculus. In the midgut, ultrastructural study reveals bacteria among the microvilli of midgut epithelial cells. The hindgut of Z. rohweri consists of an enlarged, dark-colored pouch filled with masses of bacteria of three major morphotypes. A thick layer of circular muscle and deep infoldings of the epithelium greatly increase surface area for absorption. Newly emerged individuals appear to acquire these microorganisms by soliciting material from the abdomen tip of other older workers in the colony. Whether or not the hindgut bacteria are true symbionts is unknown; their acquisition and presence suggest that they may supplement the ants' limited, liquid diet by supplying essential amino acids and other nutrients. J. Morphol. 234:253-262, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Citations

Nov 16, 2010·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·Colin F FunaroJacob A Russell
Nov 6, 2012·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·Stefanie KautzCorrie S Moreau
Dec 7, 2013·Molecular Ecology·Jon G SandersNaomi E Pierce
Feb 13, 2016·The ISME Journal·Michele Caroline LananDiana Esther Wheeler
Dec 2, 2009·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Jacob A RussellNaomi E Pierce
May 23, 2013·FEMS Microbiology Reviews·Philipp Engel, Nancy A Moran
Apr 11, 2017·Molecular Ecology·Piotr ŁukasikJacob A Russell
Oct 7, 2017·Integrative and Comparative Biology·Jon G SandersNaomi E Pierce
Feb 14, 2021·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·Peter J FlynnCorrie S Moreau
Jan 12, 2008·Micron : the International Research and Review Journal for Microscopy·Murillo Lino Bution, F H Caetano
Sep 15, 2009·Micron : the International Research and Review Journal for Microscopy·Murillo L ButionH G Fowler
Dec 22, 2009·Micron : the International Research and Review Journal for Microscopy·F H CaetanoM L Bution
Feb 13, 2010·Micron : the International Research and Review Journal for Microscopy·Murillo L Bution, F H Caetano
Apr 3, 2010·Micron : the International Research and Review Journal for Microscopy·Murillo L Bution, F H Caetano

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.