Identification and biochemical characterisation of α-amylase in the alimentary tract of Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) |
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Authors: | Ali Darvishzadeh Mahboob Ghamari |
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Institution: | Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources , University of Tehran , Karaj , Iran |
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Abstract: | Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is an important pest of many fruit crops in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide. α-Amylases are hydrolytic enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism in insects. There is no report about α-amylase activity in C. capitata in literature. So, the aim of the current study was biochemical characterisation of α-amylase in the alimentary canal of the pest to gain a better understanding of digestive physiology of the insect. α-Amylase of Medfly was extracted and characterised using starch as the substrate. The results showed the presence of α-amylase activity in the gut of the insect for carbohydrate digestion. Optimum activity of the enzyme occurs at pH 8.0 and 40?°C. The most effective activator of the enzyme was determined in treatment with 20?mM CaCl2. Na+, K+ and Mg2+ ions also activated the enzyme. Native PAGE of α-amylase showed two isoenzymes suggesting the importance of α-amylase in the carbohydrate digestion in the insect. Understanding of the digestive physiology and α-amylase activity of Medfly is important when new management strategies for this economically important pest are devised. |
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Keywords: | alimentary tract digestion α-amylase Ceratitis capitata isoenzyme |
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