Detection of messenger RNA transcribed from genes encoding enzymes of amino acid biosynthesis in Buchnera aphidicola (endosymbiont of aphids)

The aphid Schizaphis graminum is dependent on Buchnera aphidicola, a prokar yotic endosymbiont. One of the functions of the endosymbiont is the synthes is of essential amino acids for the aphid host. Previously we have found th at B. aphidicola has many of the genes that encode enzymes of amino acid bi osynthesis. Using reverse transcriptase and the polymerase chain reaction, we have detected messenger RNA corresponding to genes involved in the synth esis of tryptophan, isoleucine, valine, leucine, and histidine.