Structural Design Variations in Beetle Elytra

Advanced Functional Materials, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 31(50)

Published: Aug. 15, 2021

Abstract Beetles typically use their protective wing coverings or elytra to shield membranous hindwings from the environment. Elytra in some terrestrial species have evolved a greater role capable of shielding organism powerful antagonistic predators. The structure–function relationships these biological composites identify how architectural and chemical variations cuticle are tuned create light‐weight, impact resistant composites. Specifically, elytral structures tree dwelling beetle flight, Trypoxylus dichotomus , incapable Phloeodes diabolicus compared understand varied environmental needs forged facilitate fight resist fatal predator strikes. Mechanical microstructural analysis reveals P . has harder, stiffer that incorporate through‐thickness fibers mechanical stresses imposed by bending puncture. Conversely, T compliant structure with large voids facilitates localized deformation. Variations flexural strength puncture resistance remain attributed possessing thicker degree cross‐linking an increased amount endocuticular layers. These findings may provide useful insight into design manufacturing composite materials for light‐weight energy‐absorbing applications.

Language: Английский

---

Loss of Timeless Underlies an Evolutionary Transition within the Circadian Clock

Molecular Biology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 39(1)

Published: Dec. 2, 2021

Abstract Most organisms possess time-keeping devices called circadian clocks. At the molecular level, clocks consist of transcription–translation feedback loops (TTFLs). Although some components negative TTFL are conserved across animals, important differences exist between typical models, such as mouse and fruit fly. In Drosophila, key PERIOD (PER) TIMELESS (TIM-d) proteins, whereas mammalian clock relies on PER CRYPTOCHROME (CRY-m). Importantly, how has maintained functionality during evolutionary transitions different states remains elusive. Therefore, we systematically described gene setup in major bilaterian lineages identified marked lineage-specific their constitution. Then performed a thorough functional analysis linden bug Pyrrhocoris apterus, an insect species comprising features characteristic both Drosophila Unexpectedly, knockout timeless-d, essential for ticking did not compromise rhythmicity P. it only accelerated its pace. Furthermore, silencing timeless-m, ancestral timeless type ubiquitously present resulted mild gradual loss rhythmicity, supporting possible participation clock, which is consistent with timeless-m role suggested by research models. The dispensability timeless-d apterus allows drawing scenario remained at each step transition from state to TIM-d-independent + CRY-m system operating extant vertebrates, including humans.

Language: Английский

---

The leaf beetle Chelymorpha alternans propagates a plant pathogen in exchange for pupal protection

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 32(19), P. 4114 - 4127.e6

Published: Aug. 19, 2022

Language: Английский

---

Early diversifications of angiosperms and their insect pollinators: were they unlinked?

Trends in Plant Science, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 27(9), P. 858 - 869

Published: May 11, 2022

Language: Английский

---

Metabolic novelty originating from horizontal gene transfer is essential for leaf beetle survival

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 119(40)

Published: Sept. 26, 2022

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) provides an evolutionary shortcut for recipient organisms to gain novel functions. Although reports of HGT in higher eukaryotes are rapidly accumulating, most cases the trajectory, metabolic integration, and ecological relevance acquired genes remain unclear. Plant cell wall degradation by HGT-derived enzymes is widespread herbivorous insect lineages. Pectin abundant polysaccharide walls growing parts plants. We investigated significance horizontally pectin-digesting polygalacturonases (PGs) leaf beetle Phaedon cochleariae . Using a CRISPR/Cas9-guided knockout approach, we generated triple quadruple PG-null mutant order investigate enzymatic, biological, effects. found that pectin-digestion 1) exclusively linked PGs from fungi, 2) became fixed host genome duplication leading functional redundancy, 3) compensates nutrient-poor diet making nutritious contents more accessible, 4) facilitates beetles development survival. Our analysis highlights selective advantage provide insects demonstrate impact on success leaf-feeding beetles, major contributors species diversity.

Language: Английский

---