The surface of the egg of a parasitic insect. I. The surface of the egg and first-instar larva of Nemeritis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The egg of Nemeritis has been studied with both light and electron microscopes, with particular attention to the way in which the parasite becomes protected from the defence reactions of the host. Because the protective property seemed to be associated with the surface of the egg, the formation and structure of the oocyte membranes - the vitelline membrane, inner and outer layers of the chorion - were investigated with the electron microscope. The lastformed, the outer layer of the chorion, is the surface which forms the interface between parasite and host. It is composed of long projections, perpendicular to the chorion, in which numerous particles produced in the calyx become embedded. The particles persist on the oocyte as it passes down the oviduct, and after it is laid, and they are also found on the surface of first-instar larvae. Attempts to confer protection artificially on to other objects were unsuccessful, and it is clear that the peculiar outer layer of the chorion is essential for the attachment of the protective substance.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: