Abstract
Histochemical methods were used to study the in situ digestion of the Torula yeast ( Candida utilis ) in the alimentary canals of adult worker honeybees ( Apis mellifera ). Digestion of yeast particles occurs in the middle and posterior portion of the midgut within 1 to 3 h after feeding. Digestion is initiated by depolymerization of the protein-polysaccharide complex of the yeast cell wall. Later the cell wall breaks, and the “naked” cytoplasm is released and becomes more available for further enzymatic degradation. Histochemical evidence shows that the protein, glycogen, and lipid components of yeast cytoplasm are largely digested, whereas the cellulose and chitin components of the yeast cell wall are not digested and are left in the feces from the rectum. The data suggested that C. utilis can be efficiently digested and utilized by adult worker bees, and is therefore a good protein source for feeding bees.
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