Stage‐specific protein and mRNA synthesis during morphogenesis of the polyembryonic parasitoid Copidosoma floridanum (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

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Abstract
Changes in protein and mRNA synthesis during embryonic morphogenesis of the polyembryonic parasitoid Copidosoma floridanum were characterized by 1‐ and 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and quantified by scanning densitometry. Analysis of protein synthesis at different developmental stages indicated that embryonic molecular changes occurred at 36 h of the host's fourth stadium. These changes included decreased expression of 51 and 104 kD (D) proteins and increased expression of 22, 22.5, and 24 kD (D) proteins. Similarly, analysis of in vitro translation products indicated increased transcription of mRNA encoding 16 and 49 kD proteins in embryos dissected at 36 h of the host's fourth stadium. The stage‐specific changes in transcription and translation corresponded to the blastula stage of embryonic development and arose several hours before the initiation of embryonic morphogenic events associated with larval pattern formation. Application of the JH analogue methoprene at times that block morphogenesis but not blastula formation did not block the stage‐specific synthesis of any proteins. In contrast, neck ligation of hosts at times that block blastula formation and morphogenesis inhibited the synthesis of the 24 kD protein that was normally expressed at the blastula stage.