Abstract
During starvation, the queens of the termite Odontotermes obesus become brown in color due to the deposition of melanins in the endocuticle on the 3rd day of starvation. The endocuticle becomes fuchsinophilic and more resistant to mineral acids and is impregnated with tanning precursors. Though tyrosine and tyrosinase coexist in the blood of the queens, they do not react until on the 3rd day of starvation. During this period the titer of ascorbic acid gradually declines, and when it reaches a specific threshold level, the tyrosinase seems to oxidize tyrosine resulting in the formation of melanin. Ascorbic acid plays an inhibitory role in preventing tyrosinase from oxidizing tyrosine. This is confirmed by the fact that injection into and topical application of ascorbic acid on the queen undergoing starvation delay melanosis. Corpora cardiaca do not show any changes in their secretory activity during starvation. On the other hand, there is a decrease in the volume of corpora allata in the starved queens.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
