Probleme der Fettmobilisierung bei Insekten—I. Veränderungen der freien und gebundenen Lipide, des Lipoid-Phosphors sowie der freien und veresterten Fettsäuren während der Puppenphase von Formica polyctena

Abstract

During the metamorphosis of females and workers of the ant Formica polyctena the contents of free and bound lipids, of lipid phosphorus, free and esterified fatty acids, and some other values have been determined to obtain information about the mechanism of lipid mobilization in the fat body. The total lipid content and the free lipids decreased strongly during the pupal period. The bound lipids showed characteristic changes. Differences in the loss of lipids existed between females and workers. The lipid phosphorus showed periodic variations. The acid values and therefore the percentage of free fatty acids grew during the metamorphosis, and the esterification values accordingly dropped down. In periods with advanced loss of lipids a short-term reduction of the acid value and an increase of the esterification value could be observed. The results obtained show that the following manner of lipid mobilization and decomposition may be possible in this insect: triglyceride→diglyceride→phosphatic acid→phosphatic acid-protein→2 fatty acid — coenzyme A + glycerylphosphate + protein.