Original title: Digestive enzymes in ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) : a short review
Authors: Šustr, Vladimír ; Schlick-Steiner, B.C. ; Steiner, F. M.
Document type: Papers
Conference/Event: Contributions to Soil Zoology in Central Europe III. Central European Workshop on Soil Zoology /9./, České Budějovice (CZ), 2007-04-17 / 2007-04-20
Year: 2009
Language: eng
Abstract: The literature data on the digestive enzymes present in different taxonomic groups of ants are reviewed and their patterns of occurrence across the various groups are tested. Data are available on 32 digestive enzymes from 62 ant species from 15 tribes belonging to seven subfamilies (Dolichoderinae, Ecitoninae, Formicinae, Myrmicinae, Paraponerinae, Ponerinae, and Pseudomyrmecinae). Leaf-cutter ants (Myrmicinae, higher Attini) are the best-investigated group. Nearly all analysed enzymes were present in all the species investigated, irrespective of taxonomic group. The only significant difference across taxonomic groups concerns enzymes that attack plant structural polysaccharides (cellulases, pectinase, xylanase). These were more frequent in leaf-cutter ants than in other groups. To detect potential additional differences between groups differing in their feeding habits, more comprehensive qualitative data acquisition will be necessary.
Keywords: bark; ciliates; decaying wood mass
Project no.: CEZ:AV0Z60660521 (CEP)
Host item entry: Contributions to Soil Zoology in Central Europe III. Proceedings of the 9.sup.th./sup. Central European Workshop on Soil Zoology, ISBN 978-80-86525-13-6

Institution: Biology Centre AS ČR (web)
Document availability information: Fulltext is available at the institute of the Academy of Sciences.
Original record: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0174162

Permalink: http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-40382


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