MORPHOLOGY AND CYTOLOGY OF SYMBIOSIS IN INSECTS

This short review complements a previous paper devoted to symbiosis an d evolution (NARDON & GRENIER, 1993). It describes, at the cell level, the connexion between host and symbiotes, according to the various mo dalities of associations that can be encountered in insects. It also d escribes the different mechanisms allowing the transmission of symbiot es to the progeny. More generally, the morphogenetical effect of symbi osis is pointed out, as well as its adaptative role, despite the fact that, at present time, we have still a poor knowledge concerning the c ellular and biochemical mechanisms involved.