Abstract
(R)Mandelonitrile and the cyanogenic glucoside prunasin have been established as the source of HCN in all stages of the Australian beetle Paropsis atomaria. Quantitative data for both compounds and all life stages are presented. The larvae contain a β-glucosidase activity capable of hydrolysing prunasin and also β-cyanoalanine synthase activity enabling the disposal of free cyanide.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: