INCREASED LONGEVITY OF KINETIN-FED ZAPRIONUS FRUIT-FLIES IS ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR REDUCED FECUNDITY AND ENHANCED CATALASE ACTIVITY

Kinetin, a cytokinin plant growth hormone, retards senescence in plant s, delays aging in human cells in culture, slows down development of i nsects and prolongs their lifespan. We have now observed that the incr eased longevity of Kn-fed Zaprionus fruitflies was accompanied by an i ncrease in the specific activity of catalase during developmental stag es and in adult insects. In addition, the egg laying capacity of Kn-fe d fruitflies was reduced drastically as compared with those kept on a normal diet. These results support the view that improved maintenance of the soma and prolongation of its life is achieved at the cost of de creased reproductive activity.