Interference by Mes [2-(4-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid] and related buffers with phenolic oxidation by peroxidase.

While characterizing the kinetic parameters of apoplastic phenolic oxidation by peroxidase, we found anomalies caused by the Mes [2-(4-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid] buffer being used. In the presence of Mes, certain phenolics appeared not to be oxidized by peroxidase, yet the oxidant, H(2)O(2), was utilized. This anomaly seems to be due to the recycling of the phenolic substrate.

Components of honeybee royal jelly as deterrents of the parasitic Varroa mite, Varroa destructor.

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman reproduces on the immature stage of the honeybee, Apis mellifera L. Mites are found more often on drone brood than worker brood and only infrequently on queen brood. We investigated the chemical basis for the low incidence of mites on queen brood.

Larval Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) mortality after topical application of antibiotics and dusts.

Beekeepers apply various dusts to honey bee, Apis mellifera L., colonies to dislodge parasitic mites and control bacterial brood diseases. Anecdotal reports by beekeepers indicate that the antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) can be toxic when applied in powdered sugar to cells containing immature bee brood, but it was not known whether the purported toxicity is caused by the antibiotic or the sugar carrier.

A pheromonotropic peptide of Helicoverpa zea, with melanizing activity, interaction with PBAN, and distribution of immunoreactivity.

The sequence of an 18-amino acid residue peptide was deduced from the gene encoding PBAN and other peptides with common C-termini in Helicoverpa zea. The peptide caused melanization in larvae and pheromone production in females of H. zea, and was designated pheromonotropic melanizing peptide (Hez-PMP).

Identification of four additional myoinhibitory peptides (MIPs) from the ventral nerve cord of Manduca sexta.

Four new myoinhibitory peptides were isolated and identified from the ventral nerve cord of adult Manduca sexta. The new peptides are related to two previously identified myoinhibitory peptides also isolated from adult M. sexta, Mas-MIP I and Mas-MIP II.