THE ACTION OF PEPSIN AND TRYPSIN ON THE EGG SHELL OF ACHETA DOMESTICUS (L.) (ORTHOPTERA:GYLLIDAE)

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Abstract
The maternal endocuticle, or exochorion, of the swollen egg shell of Acheta domesticus (L.) is digested by crystalline trypsin only after preliminary treatment with pepsin. Pepsin appears to digest the protein moiety of a mucoprotein, thereby exposing the endocuticle to attack by crystalline trypsin. The postulated mucoprotein would cover the egg and presumably lubricate its passage down the genital ducts. Purified 'trypsin', a mixture of proteolytic (and other) enzymes, will digest the endocuticle without previous pepsin treatment. Newly laid eggs are unaffected by these enzymes.

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