scholarly journals The unusual tracheal system within the wing membrane of a dragonfly

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 20160960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhainer Guillermo-Ferreira ◽  
Esther Appel ◽  
Paulina Urban ◽  
Pitágoras C. Bispo ◽  
Stanislav N. Gorb
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Process ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Stable Structure ◽  
Living Tissue ◽  
Wing Membrane ◽  
Tracheal System ◽  
Remarkable Case ◽  
Structural Coloration ◽  
Wax Crystals ◽  
Complex Arrangement

Some consider that the first winged insects had living tissue inside the wing membrane, resembling larval gills or developing wing pads. However, throughout the developmental process of the wing membrane of modern insects, cells and tracheoles in the lumen between dorsal and ventral cuticle disappear and both cuticles become fused. This process results in the rather thin rigid stable structure of the membrane. The herewith described remarkable case of the dragonfly Zenithoptera lanei shows that in some highly specialized wings, the membrane can still be supplemented by tracheae. Such a characteristic of the wing membrane presumably represents a strong specialization for the synthesis of melanin-filled nanolayers of the cuticle, nanospheres inside the wing membrane and complex arrangement of wax crystals on the membrane surface, all responsible for unique structural coloration.

scholarly journals Developmental, cellular, and biochemical basis of transparency in clearwing butterflies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron F. Pomerantz ◽  
Radwanul H. Siddique ◽  
Elizabeth I. Cash ◽  
Yuriko Kishi ◽  
Charline Pinna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Layer ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Developmental Time ◽  
Scale Growth ◽  
Wing Membrane ◽  
Biochemical Basis ◽  
Cytoskeletal Organization ◽  
Surface Nanostructures ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Confocal And Electron Microscopy

The wings of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) are typically covered with thousands of flat, overlapping scales that endow the wings with colorful patterns. Yet, numerous species of Lepidoptera have evolved highly transparent wings, which often possess scales of altered morphology and reduced size, and the presence of membrane surface nanostructures that dramatically reduce reflection. Optical properties and anti-reflective nanostructures have been characterized for several ‘clearwing’ Lepidoptera, but the developmental processes underlying wing transparency are unknown. Here, we apply confocal and electron microscopy to create a developmental time-series in the glasswing butterfly, Greta oto, comparing transparent and non-transparent wing regions. We find that during early wing development, scale precursor cell density is reduced in transparent regions, and cytoskeletal organization during scale growth differs between thin, bristle-like scale morphologies within transparent regions and flat, round scale morphologies within opaque regions. Next, we show that nanostructures on the wing membrane surface are composed of two layers: a lower layer of regularly arranged nipple-like nanostructures, and an upper layer of irregularly arranged wax-based nanopillars composed predominantly of long-chain n-alkanes. By chemically removing wax-based nanopillars, along with optical spectroscopy and analytical simulations, we demonstrate their role in generating anti-reflective properties. These findings provide insight into morphogenesis and composition of naturally organized micro- and nanostructures and may provide bioinspiration for new anti-reflective materials.

scholarly journals Circulation in Insect Wings

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 1208-1220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary K Salcedo ◽  
John J Socha
Keyword(s):  
Flexible Structures ◽  
Wing Venation ◽  
Living Tissue ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Active Sensors ◽  
Wing Membrane ◽  
Insect Wings ◽  
Sensory Hairs ◽  
History Of ◽  
Membrane Wing

Synopsis Insect wings are living, flexible structures composed of tubular veins and thin wing membrane. Wing veins can contain hemolymph (insect blood), tracheae, and nerves. Continuous flow of hemolymph within insect wings ensures that sensory hairs, structural elements such as resilin, and other living tissue within the wings remain functional. While it is well known that hemolymph circulates through insect wings, the extent of wing circulation (e.g., whether flow is present in every vein, and whether it is confined to the veins alone) is not well understood, especially for wings with complex wing venation. Over the last 100 years, scientists have developed experimental methods including microscopy, fluorescence, and thermography to observe flow in the wings. Recognizing and evaluating the importance of hemolymph movement in insect wings is critical in evaluating how the wings function both as flight appendages, as active sensors, and as thermoregulatory organs. In this review, we discuss the history of circulation in wings, past and present experimental techniques for measuring hemolymph, and broad implications for the field of hemodynamics in insect wings.

Histological Observations on the Wing of the Grey-Headed Flying-Fox (Pteropus-Poliocephalus) (Chiroptera, Pteropodidae)

1994 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 215 ◽  
Author(s):  
GV Crowley ◽  
LS Hall
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Basal Layer ◽  
Epidermal Keratinocytes ◽  
Electron Microscope Level ◽  
Wing Membrane ◽  
Pteropus Poliocephalus ◽  
Bat Wing ◽  
Dorsal Epidermis ◽  
Flying Fox

The histological features of the wing membrane of Pteropus poliocephalus are described at both the light and electron microscope level. A method is described for the processing of bat wing tissue for both light and electron microscopy. The flight membrane of P. poliocephalus had a dorsal and ventral layer of epidermis with a common dermis in between. There was no hypodermis and all layers were greatly reduced in comparison with the skin of other mammals. The epidermis consisted of three layers of active keratinocytes, covered by 7-10 layers of cornified cells. Melanocytes were generally confined to the basal layer and were more numerous in the dorsal epidermis. Prominent droplets of a lipid-like substance were found in the epidermal keratinocytes and these coalesced towards the superficial layers. It is postulated that the substance contained in these droplets is a waterproofing agent. The dermis consisted mainly of collagen bundles with a network of elastin bands. An array of hair-dome complexes were found on the wing membrane surface. These receptors are similar to those described in several microchiropterans, where it is thought they provide information on airflow patterns over the wing.

scholarly journals Developmental, cellular, and biochemical basis of transparency in the glasswing butterfly Greta oto

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron F. Pomerantz ◽  
Radwanul H. Siddique ◽  
Elizabeth I. Cash ◽  
Yuriko Kishi ◽  
Charline Pinna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Developmental Time ◽  
Precursor Cell ◽  
Wing Membrane ◽  
Biochemical Basis ◽  
Cytoskeletal Organization ◽  
Surface Nanostructures ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Confocal And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Sub Wavelength

AbstractNumerous species of Lepidoptera have transparent wings, which often possess scales of altered morphology and reduced size, and the presence of membrane surface nanostructures that dramatically reduce reflection. Optical properties and anti-reflective nanostructures have been characterized for several ‘clearwing’ Lepidoptera, but the developmental basis of wing transparency is unknown. We apply confocal and electron microscopy to create a developmental time-series in the glasswing butterfly, Greta oto, comparing transparent and non-transparent wing regions. We find that scale precursor cell density is reduced in transparent regions, and cytoskeletal organization differs between flat scales in opaque regions, and thin, bristle-like scales in transparent regions. We also reveal that sub-wavelength nanopillars on the wing membrane are wax-based, derive from wing epithelial cells and their associated microvillar projections, and demonstrate their role in enhancing-anti-reflective properties. These findings provide insight into morphogenesis of naturally organized micro- and nanostructures and may provide bioinspiration for new anti-reflective materials.

Integrating perspectives: How the development of second-personal competence lays the foundation for a second-personal morality

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Corbit ◽  
Chris Moore
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Personal Competence ◽  
Triadic Interactions ◽  
Personal Morality ◽  
Integrative Process

Abstract The integration of first-, second-, and third-personal information within joint intentional collaboration provides the foundation for broad-based second-personal morality. We offer two additions to this framework: a description of the developmental process through which second-personal competence emerges from early triadic interactions, and empirical evidence that collaboration with a concrete goal may provide an essential focal point for this integrative process.

Photoreceptor disk membrane substructures by means of the complementary freeze-fracture-replica methods

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-157
Author(s):  
A. Tonosaki ◽  
M. Yamasaki ◽  
H. Washioka ◽  
J. Mizoguchi
Keyword(s):  
Cell Membranes ◽  
Freeze Fracture ◽  
Purple Membrane ◽  
Remarkable Case ◽  
Single Face ◽  
Disk Membrane ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Photoreceptor Membranes

A vertebrate disk membrane is composed of 40 % lipids and 60 % proteins. Its fracture faces have been classed into the plasmic (PF) and exoplasmic faces (EF), complementary with each other, like those of most other types of cell membranes. The hypothesis assuming the PF particles as representing membrane-associated proteins has been challenged by serious questions if they in fact emerge from the crystalline formation or decoration effects during freezing and shadowing processes. This problem seems to be yet unanswered, despite the remarkable case of the purple membrane of Halobacterium, partly because most observations have been made on the replicas from a single face of specimen, and partly because, in the case of photoreceptor membranes, the conformation of a rhodopsin and its relatives remains yet uncertain. The former defect seems to be partially fulfilled with complementary replica methods.

Role of spectrin in membrane fusion and in shape change of human erythrocyte ghost

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 328-329
Author(s):  
Hideo Hayashi ◽  
Yoshikazu Hirai ◽  
John T. Penniston
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Human Erythrocyte ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Slight Modification ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Bank Blood ◽  
Human Erythrocyte Ghost

Spectrin is a membrane associated protein most of which properties have been tentatively elucidated. A main role of the protein has been assumed to give a supporting structure to inside of the membrane. As reported previously, however, the isolated spectrin molecule underwent self assemble to form such as fibrous, meshwork, dispersed or aggregated arrangements depending upon the buffer suspended and was suggested to play an active role in the membrane conformational changes. In this study, the role of spectrin and actin was examined in terms of the molecular arrangements on the erythrocyte membrane surface with correlation to the functional states of the ghosts.Human erythrocyte ghosts were prepared from either freshly drawn or stocked bank blood by the method of Dodge et al with a slight modification as described before. Anti-spectrin antibody was raised against rabbit by injection of purified spectrin and partially purified.

Role of PKC isozymes in water transport in toad urinary bladder

1991 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 302-303
Author(s):  
A.J. Mia ◽  
L.X. Oakford ◽  
T. Yorio
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Bladder ◽  
Apical Membrane ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Leukemic Cells ◽  
Toad Urinary Bladder ◽  
Pkc Isozymes ◽  
Antibody Labeling

Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes, when activated, are translocated to particulate membrane fractions for transport to the apical membrane surface in a variety of cell types. Evidence of PKC translocation was demonstrated in human megakaryoblastic leukemic cells, and in cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts, using FTTC immunofluorescent antibody labeling techniques. Recently, we reported immunogold localizations of PKC subtypes I and II in toad urinary bladder epithelia, following 60 min stimulation with Mezerein (MZ), a PKC activator, or antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Localization of isozyme subtypes I and n was carried out in separate grids using specific monoclonal antibodies with subsequent labeling with 20nm protein A-gold probes. Each PKC subtype was found to be distributed singularly and in discrete isolated patches in the cytosol as well as in the apical membrane domains. To determine if the PKC isozymes co-localized within the cell, a double immunogold labeling technique using single grids was utilized.

SEM/FESEM imaging of lamellar structures in melt extruded polyethylene films

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 1142-1143
Author(s):  
R.T. Chen ◽  
M.G. Jamieson ◽  
R. Callahan
Keyword(s):  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Extrusion Direction ◽  
Polymeric Membranes ◽  
Scanning Tunneling ◽  
Tunneling Microscopy ◽  
Crystalline Polymers ◽  
Lamellar Structures ◽  
Resolution Imaging

“Row lamellar” structures have previously been observed when highly crystalline polymers are melt-extruded and recrystallized under high stress. With annealing to perfect the stacked lamellar superstructure and subsequent stretching in the machine (extrusion) direction, slit-like micropores form between the stacked lamellae. This process has been adopted to produce polymeric membranes on a commercial scale with controlled microporous structures. In order to produce the desired pore morphology, row lamellar structures must be established in the membrane precursors, i.e., as-extruded and annealed polymer films or hollow fibers. Due to the lack of pronounced surface topography, the lamellar structures have typically been investigated by replica-TEM, an indirect and time consuming procedure. Recently, with the availability of high resolution imaging techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), the microporous structures on the membrane surface as well as lamellar structures in the precursors can be directly examined.The materials investigated are Celgard® polyethylene (PE) flat sheet membranes and their film precursors, both as-extruded and annealed, made at different extrusion rates (E.R.).

Ultrastructural identification of three types of sensory setae on copepod antennae

1995 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 956-957
Author(s):  
T. M. Weatherby ◽  
P.H. Lenz
Keyword(s):  
Phase Locking ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Calanoid Copepods ◽  
Marine Food Webs ◽  
Dendritic Membrane ◽  
Ultrastructural Characterization

Crustaceans, as well as other arthropods, are covered with sensory setae and hairs, including mechanoand chemosensory sensillae with a ciliary origin. Calanoid copepods are small planktonic crustaceans forming a major link in marine food webs. In conjunction with behavioral and physiological studies of the antennae of calanoids, we undertook the ultrastructural characterization of sensory setae on the antennae of Pleuromamma xiphias.Distal mechanoreceptive setae exhibit exceptional behavioral and physiological performance characteristics: high sensitivity (<10 nm displacements), fast reaction times (<1 msec latency) and phase locking to high frequencies (1-2 kHz). Unusual structural features of the mechanoreceptors are likely to be related to their physiological sensitivity. These features include a large number (up to 3000) of microtubules in each sensory cell dendrite, arising from or anchored to electron dense rods associated with the ciliary basal body microtubule doublets. The microtubules are arranged in a regular array, with bridges between and within rows. These bundles of microtubules extend far into each mechanoreceptive seta and terminate in a staggered fashion along the dendritic membrane, contacting a large membrane surface area and providing a large potential site of mechanotransduction.

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