Macromolecular changes during oogenesis of Formica polyctena (Foerster) (Ins., Hym., Form.): A case of two types of eggs differently predisposed

Abstract

1. 1. During activation of the queens of Formica polyctena at spring time the RNA and protein patterns of the ovaries were studied by sodium dodecylsulfate-containing polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis. 2. 2. The RNA content increased rapidly to a constant level and decreased when the maturation of the terminal oocytes had been finished and the first eggs were deposited. During deposition of the small summer eggs the RNA content was lowest. 3. 3. Ribosomal RNA of 28S and 18S and lower molecular fractions of 4S and 5S could be separated besides 32S and 45S fractions. 4. 4. The amount of the nucleotide fraction decreased rapidly, but the relation of the amount of 28 S + 18 S to that of 32S remained constant. 5. 5. During maturation of the winter eggs a changing of the protein patterns could be demonstrated but not during that of summer eggs. 6. 6. The deposited eggs did not contain all proteins which we could find in the ovaries. Significant differences in the quantities of the protein bands could be demonstrated, too. 7. 7. The yolk protein content (MW 195 × 10 3 dalton) was relatively much higher in the winter eggs than in the ovaries.