HYDROCARBON BIOSYNTHESIS IN TRIATOMA-INFESTANS EGGS

Triatoma infestans eggs are shown to synthesize hydrocarbons. Radio-ga s chromatography was used to demonstrate metabolism of [1-C-14] propio nate into precursor methyl-branched fatty acids and into methyl-branch ed hydrocarbons in T. infestans eggs. These reactions have not been de monstrated previously in insect eggs. An in vivo study showed that hyd rocarbons are also transported to eggs by the hemolymph. Inhibition of hydrocarbon synthesis by sodium trichloroacetate (NaTCA) was correlat ed with reduced oviposition, reduced hatchability, and reduced insect survival. Scanning electron microscopy showed impoverishment of the eg gs' epicuticular waxes following NaTCA treatment. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.