On the Role of Microbial Symbiotes in Herbivorous Insects

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Abstract
For almost a century it has been known that many insects, across a broad taxonomic range, have an obligate association with prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic microorganisms which are harbored extra- or intracellularly. The most comprehensive review on the subject involving these symbiotes in insects was written by Buchner more than 30 years ago. 79 Whereas much is known about the taxonomy and biochemistry of the extracellular symbiotes, a corresponding understanding of the biology of intracellular symbiotes (i.e., endosymbiotes) has yet to be achieved. This is primarily because insect endosymbiotes have never been successfully cultured outside their host. However, recent efforts in the study of insect endosymbiotes have employed genetic engineering techniques that permit the study of genes and/or gene products which designate the taxonomy and biochemistry of the endosymbiotes.

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