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Studies on Amino Acid Incorporation in the Larvae of Drosophila Melanogaster

Citation

Simmons, John Robert (1960) Studies on Amino Acid Incorporation in the Larvae of Drosophila Melanogaster. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/EMPC-QM96. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-07122006-111435

Abstract

Amino acid incorporation in the larvae of Drosophila melanogaster was studied by injecting C14 labeled amino acids into the hemolymph of the animals. The resulting pattern of incorporation was investigated by direct paper chromatography of the injected larvae and by column fractionation of larval extracts. It was found that injected amino acids were rapidly incorporated into a large number of components. Many of these were peptides, others contain non-amino acid constituents whose nature is yet unknown. As contrasted to previous reports, the present work indicates a major portion of the amino acids in insect hemolymph occur in bound form. It is felt that the difference is due to the higher degree of resolution of components achieved in the present experiments. In the hope of obtaining larger amounts of amino acids in non-protein bound forms, attempts were made to inhibit protein synthesis. Of the treatments tested only Metrazol and chlorpromazine were effective in reducing protein synthesis and this reduction was accompanied by a decrease in amount in all radioactive metabolic product. The possible significance of this reduction is discussed. Material containing bound C14 glutamic acid was isolated from larval extracts and reinjected. It was found that radioactivity from the injected material was incorporated into the protein of the larvae but at a slower rate than was the free amino acid. The implications of this finding are discussed.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Biology)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Biology
Major Option:Biology
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Mitchell, Herschel K.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1960
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-07122006-111435
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-07122006-111435
DOI:10.7907/EMPC-QM96
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:2855
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:03 Aug 2006
Last Modified:08 Nov 2023 23:58

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