Differential expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit III gene in castes of the termite Reticulitermes santonensis.

Social insects such as termites live in colonies in which cooperation is assumed by all individuals developing into castes to which specific tasks are allocated. Little has been reported about molecular aspects underlying termite caste-specific gene expression. Genetic regulation has recently been hypothesized to govern caste-specific traits and physiology in social insects.