Synthesis of vitellogenic and non-vitellogenic yolk proteins by the fat body and the ovary of Leptinotarsa decemlineata

Abstract

Abstract 1. 1. Isolated ovaries of egg laying females synthesize and secrete three yolk proteins (two vitellogenins and chromoprotein 2). 2. 2. The contribution of ovarian tissue to total yolk protein production is very small, the major site of synthesis of the three yolk proteins being the fat body. 3. 3. There is a time lag between yolk protein synthesis by the fat body and yolk protein sequestration by the ovary. 4. 4. In egg laying females, within 1 hr after the synthesis of both vitellogenins by the fat body, they appear in the oocytes as vitellins.