Enzymatic responses of a possible microbial symbiont in the digestive tract of Hadenoecus subterraneus to changes in diet
Coller JM, Manji GA, Coller SL, Gleeson T, Lavoie KH. 1993. Enzymatic responses of a possible microbial symbiont in the digestive tract of Hadenoecus subterraneus to changes in diet. University of Michigan-Flint. Flint, MI
A study conducted within Mammoth Cave National Park. Cave crickets, Hadeneocus subterraneus, are well adapted to the cave ecosystem. A flora of microorganisms has been shown to live in the crop and hindgut of its digestive system which are believed to supply the cave cricket with essential digestive enzymes in order for it to survive. Assay of six different enzymes, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, chitinase, protease, and lipase, were conducted on three different groups of crickets. One group was assayed using crickets fed on their natural diet, another was fed on a high polysaccharide fruit diet, and the last was fed on a high protein diet. Enzyme activity levels shifted between diet types, indicative of microbial production of enzymes capable of digesting different substrates. A symbionic relationship between H. subterranus and the microorganisms inhabiting its digestive tract is discussed.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Coller, Jeffrey; Manji, Gulam; Coller, Stephanie; Gleeson, Tammy; Lavoie, Kathleen
- Date of Issue
- 1993
- Publisher
- University of Michigan-Flint
- Units
- MACA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Common Cave Cricket (Hadenoecus subterraneus), Digestion, enzymes, Feeding