scholarly journals UV-reflectivity of parafocal eyespot elements on butterfly wings in normal and abnormal specimens

2004 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mouyu Yang ◽  
Ahti Pyörnilä ◽  
V. Benno Meyer-Rochow
Keyword(s):  
Wild Type ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Structural Coloration ◽  
Butterfly Wings ◽  
Abnormal Individual ◽  
Wing Scales ◽  
Cross Vein ◽  
Normal Wild Type

An unusual specimen of Aglais urticae, lacking characteristic UV-reflecting parafocal eyespot elements along the margins of both fore and hind wings, is compared with normal, wild-type specimens. Wing scales, responsible for generating structural coloration, aremissing in the abnormal individual and have been replaced with a type that is typical of pigment-based colours. Other modifications seen in the abnormal specimen include firstly, a distal expansion of a uniformly brown region, that otherwise occupies a proximal position on the hind wings of the wild type, and secondly, the lack of a characteristic orange cross-vein band that runs proximal to the parafocal eyespot elements on the hindwing. The differences in coloration between abnormal and wild type are seen as evidence of a proximal-distal developmental axis (originally proposed by Nijhout 1991) and support a view recently aired by Beldade and Brakefield (2003). It is now clear that studies on butterfly eyespot development must consider not only pigmentcontaining scales, but also the structurallymodified scales responsible for physical colours, i.e. UV reflectivity.

Mesodiphthera Tillyard, 1919, from the Late Triassic of Queensland, the oldest cicada (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cicadoidea: Tettigarctidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4567 (2) ◽  
pp. 358 ◽  
Author(s):  
KEVIN J. LAMBKIN
Keyword(s):  
Basal Cell ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Nodal Line ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Fossil Insect ◽  
The Family ◽  
New Material ◽  
Cross Vein

New specimens of its type species from the Queensland Late Triassic (Norian) (~227–~208.5 Ma) fossil insect locality at Dinmore have revealed that the old and obscure Late Triassic genus Mesodiphthera Tillyard, 1919, from nearby Denmark Hill, is a tettigarctid cicada, the earliest record of the family and the oldest cicada. The genus is distinguished by the combined presence of three characters: the primary forks of R and M at about the same level, midway between the basal cell and the nodal line; RA2 with four or five terminal branches; and the inter-medial cross-vein backwardly inclined, running between M2 and M3. Of the three species originally ascribed to Mesodiphthera by Tillyard, only its type, M. grandis Tillyard, 1919, is retained in the genus. The other two species differ significantly from the type and are transferred to Tardilly gen. nov., which is similar to Mesodiphthera in the more or less aligned primary forks of R and M placed at about midway between the basal cell and the nodal line, and the backwardly inclined inter-medial cross-vein which runs between M2 and M3. It differs, however, in its smaller size, broader costal space, three-branched M3+4, and differently shaped CuA and CuA2. The new material, all of which is of M. grandis, provides a complete picture of the shape, colour and venation of its tegmen, whereas Tardilly prosboloides (Tillyard) comb. nov., 1922 and Tardilly dunstani (Tillyard) comb. nov., 1922 are still known only from their poorly preserved type specimens. Mesodiphthera and Tardilly exhibit a number of presumed plesiomorphies, viz the costal space much wider than the CuA cell, the basal cell strongly narrowed apically, and the post-nodal cross-vein series closer to the nodal line than the apex, which place it in the probable paraphyletic subfamily Cicadoprosbolinae. A more informed assessment of their relationships, however, must await a comprehensive analysis of the now 29 fossil genera of the family. The Tettigarctidae were the only cicadas of the Mesozoic and the discovery in the Triassic of Australia of Mesodiphthera and Tardilly clearly distinct from the 24 previously known Mesozoic genera, further demonstrates the family’s high degree of structural diversity, and emphasises its almost world-wide distribution in that Era. 

Vapor detection through dynamic process of molecule desorption from butterfly wings

2020 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-232
Author(s):  
Zhen Luo ◽  
Zhaoyue Weng ◽  
Qingchen Shen ◽  
Shun An ◽  
Jiaqing He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Butterfly Wing ◽  
Detection Mechanism ◽  
Vapor Detection ◽  
Desorption Process ◽  
Mixing Ratios ◽  
Vapor Sensing ◽  
Butterfly Wings ◽  
Components Analysis ◽  
Morpho Butterfly ◽  
Wing Scales

AbstractThis work explores an alternative vapor sensing mechanism through analyzing dynamic desorption process from butterfly wings for the differentiation of both individual and mixed vapors quantitatively. Morpho butterfly wings have been used in differentiating individual vapors, but it is challenging to use them for the differentiation of mixed vapor quantitatively. This paper demonstrates the use of Morpho butterfly wings for the sensitive and selective detection of closely related vapors in mixtures. Principal components analysis (PCA) is used to process the reflectance spectra of the wing scales during dynamic desorption of different vapors. With the desorption-based detection mechanism, individual vapors with different concentrations and mixed vapors with different mixing ratios can be differentiated using the butterfly wing based sensors. Both the original butterfly wings and butterfly wings with surface modification show the capability in distinguishing vapors in mixtures, which may offer a guideline for further improving selectivity and sensitivity of bioinspired sensors.

scholarly journals NEUROSPORA TREHALASE AND ITS STRUCTURAL GENE

Genetics ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-227
Author(s):  
Christopher White ◽  
Deborah B Lee ◽  
Stephen J Free
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Linkage Group ◽  
Structural Gene ◽  
Gene Mutations ◽  
Free Medium ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Group I ◽  
Normal Wild Type

ABSTRACT We have isolated Neurospora trehalaseless mutants and mapped the trehalase structural gene to linkage group I. The structural gene mutations not only affect thermostability and other characteristics of the enzyme but also affect the production of an inhibitor of the wild-type trehalase. The inhibitor appears to be the mutant trehalase. We suggest that the mutant subunits act as inhibitors by entering into the multimeric forms of the enzyme and altering the ability of the normal wild-type subunits to catalyze the cleavage of trehalose.—Wild type trehalase has been purified to near homogeneity, and its characteristics have been studied. It was purified as a tetramer, with each subunit having a molecular weight of 88,000.—We have studied the regulation of trehalase and found the production of trehalase to be glucose repressible. Cells begin to produce trehalase 60 min after being transferred to glucose-free medium.

scholarly journals Species Diversity and Structure of Wing Scales of Euploea and Papilio Butterflies from Phromlaeng, Nam Nao National Park, Phetchabun Province

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-180
Author(s):  
Sukhum RUANGCHAI ◽  
Sirikamon PHLAI-NGAM ◽  
Nisarat TUNGPAIROJWONG
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
National Park ◽  
General Structure ◽  
Structural Coloration ◽  
Reticular Pattern ◽  
Wing Scale ◽  
Stereo Microscope ◽  
One Year ◽  
Scanning Electron ◽  
Wing Scales

This study focuses on species diversity of butterflies in the genera Euploea and Papilio in Nam Nao National Park. The butterflies were investigated every month for one year using insect nets. A total of 11 species, belonging to 2 genera and 2 families, were found. These were E. algea, E. camaralzeman, E. core, E. midamus, E. mulciber, E. radamanthus, E. sylvester, P. helenus, P. memnon, P. nephelus, and P. paris. The structure of the wing scales in different colour areas of 9 species was studied using a stereo microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The general structure of the wing scales of the butterflies of genus Euploea, independent of the colour it produces, is of longitudinal ridges, composed of tilted scutes, cross ribs that connect the ridges, and trabeculae, which link the cross ribs to the membrane of the wing scale’s upper lamina. In the Papilio species, there are 2 types of wing scales: one that exhibits blue-green iridescence and has wide-spaced ridges with concavities in between; and one displaying white, black, yellow, and red and has smaller widths between the ridges, with the space in between them containing a reticular pattern of cross ribs. The study of the wing scale microstructure of the butterflies in the Euploea and Papilio genera indicates that the patterns of the wing scale structure are genus-specific and that, despite showing similar colours, the wing scales are equipped with different mechanisms exemplifying diversity in structural coloration in nature.

scholarly journals The CFTR Mutation c.3453G > C (D1152H) Confers an Anion Selectivity Defect in Primary Airway Tissue that Can be Rescued by Ivacaftor

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Onofrio Laselva ◽  
Theo J. Moraes ◽  
Gengming He ◽  
Claire Bartlett ◽  
Ida Szàrics ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Chloride Channel ◽  
Functional Expression ◽  
Transmembrane Conductance Regulator ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Transmembrane Conductance ◽  
Wild Type Level ◽  
Human Nasal Epithelial Cells ◽  
Functional Analyses ◽  
Normal Wild Type

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene variant, c.3453G > C (D1152H), is associated with mild Cystic Fibrosis (CF) disease, though there is considerable clinical variability ranging from no detectable symptoms to lung disease with early acquisition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The approval extension of ivacaftor, the first CFTR modulator drug approved, to include D1152H was based on a positive drug response of defective CFTR-D1152H chloride channel function when expressed in FRT cells. Functional analyses of primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNE) from an individual homozygous for D1152H now revealed that while CFTR-D1152H demonstrated normal, wild-type level chloride conductance, its bicarbonate-selective conductance was impaired. Treatment with ivacaftor increased this bicarbonate-selective conductance. Extensive genetic, protein and functional analysis of the nasal cells of this D1152H/D1152H patient revealed a 90% reduction of CFTR transcripts due to the homozygous presence of the 5T polymorphism in the poly-T tract forming a complex allele with D1152H. Thus, we confirm previous observation in patient-derived tissue that 10% normal CFTR transcripts confer normal, wild-type level chloride channel activity. Together, this study highlights the benefit of patient-derived tissues to study the functional expression and pharmacological modulation of CF-causing mutations, in order to understand pathogenesis and therapeutic responses.

scholarly journals Thin-film structural coloration from simple fused scales in moths

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 20180044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cédric Kilchoer ◽  
Ullrich Steiner ◽  
Bodo D. Wilts
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Incident Light ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Structural Coloration ◽  
Scale Thickness ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
Wing Scale ◽  
Wing Patterns ◽  
Colour Changes ◽  
Wing Scales

The metallic coloration of insects often originates from diverse nanostructures ranging from simple thin films to complex three-dimensional photonic crystals. In Lepidoptera, structural coloration is widely present and seems to be abundant in extant species. However, even some basal moths exhibit metallic coloration. Here, we have investigated the origin of the vivid metallic colours of the wing scales of the basal moth Micropterix aureatella by spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy. The metallic gold-, bronze- and purple-coloured scales share a similar anatomy formed of a fused lower and upper lamina resulting in a single thin film. The optical response of this thin-film scale can be attributed to thin-film interference of the incident light, resulting in the colour variations that correlate with film thickness. Subtle variations in the wing scale thickness result in large visible colour changes that give Micropterix moths their colourful wing patterns. This simple coloration mechanism could provide a hint to understand the evolution of structural coloration in Lepidoptera.

Nanostructured Characterization of Papilio demoleus Linnaeus Butterfly Wings

MRS Advances ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (42-43) ◽  
pp. 2689-2696
Author(s):  
J. Sackey ◽  
P. Prevost ◽  
K.A. Dompreh ◽  
M. Maaza
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Study ◽  
Light Elements ◽  
Yellow Colour ◽  
Layer Arrangement ◽  
Butterfly Wings ◽  
Papilio Demoleus ◽  
Reflectance Measurements ◽  
Scanning Electron ◽  
Wing Scales

Abstract:The adult Papilio demoleus Linnaeus comes in different sizes (80-100 mm) and colours. On the basis of structural colour observation, an experimental and theoretical study on the different colours on Papilio demoleus Linnaeus wings was conducted. The wing scales were investigated from a photonic crystal perspective using scanning electron and optical microscopies and reflectance measurements. In the SEM measurements, the parts studied show nanostructured ridges separated by crossribs (grooves). The scales show several tilted cuticle layers lapped on the ridges, which constitute a grating. The widths of the ridges and crossribs (grooves) in the grating are different. Arrangements and shapes of scales are clearly seen under the optical microscopy. It was deduced that the yellow colour with the highest reflectance of 485 nm and 580 nm could be due to multiple interferences from a highly tilted cuticle arrangement. The layer arrangement in the brown and ash scales is not enough to reflect observable interference light. The study shows an application in fine light elements in the photo-electro devices.

scholarly journals The structure and development of normal and mutant eyes in Gammarus chevreuxi

1934 ◽  
Vol 114 (789) ◽  
pp. 364-392 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Basis ◽  
Microscopic Structure ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Complicated Process ◽  
Embryonic Life ◽  
Mutant Phenotypes ◽  
Normal Wild Type

It is well known that in the Amphipod Gammarus chevreuxi Sexton a great number of mutant types have been found and described during the last 20 years ( of. Sexton and Wing, 1916; Allen and Sexton, 1917 , 1920; Sexton and Huxley, 1921; Sexton and Clark, 1926; Sexton Clark and Spooner, 1930). Most of these mutant types concern the eyes, which show a great variety from the normal wild type to a practically eyeless form. Although the variation is not so great as that shown by the eyes of Drosophila , it seemed to be fo interest to investigate the microscopic structure of these various types, and their development during embryonic life. The work may supplement in useful way similar studies on Drosophila , as Gammarus has an indefinite development and its embryonic life can be easily followed from step to step almost from the first cleavage until hatching, and is not interrupted by a complicated process of metamorphosis. Our first task was to investigate the microscopic structure of adult eyes. Here the particular problems were the structural basis of the mutant phenotypes:-

scholarly journals MUTATIONS LEADING TO EXPRESSION OF THE CRYPTIC HMR  a LOCUS IN THE YEAST SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

Genetics ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 109 (3) ◽  
pp. 481-492
Author(s):  
Yona Kassir ◽  
Giora Simchen
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Mutant Phenotype ◽  
Recessive Mutation ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Dominant Mutation ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Mating Ability ◽  
Recessive Mutations ◽  
Simultaneous Expression ◽  
Normal Wild Type

ABSTRACT Mutations leading to expression of the silent HMR  a information in Saccharomyces cerevisiae result in sporulation proficiency in mat  a  1/MATα diploids. An example of such a mutation is sir5-2, a recessive mutation in the gene SIR5. As expected, haploids carrying the sir5-2 mutation are nonmaters due to the simultaneous expression of HMR  a and HMLα, resulting in the nonmating phenotype of an a/α diploid. However, sir5-2/sir5-2 mat  a  1/MATα diploids mate as α yet are capable of sporulation. The sir5-2 mutation is unlinked to sir1-1, yet the two mutations do not complement each other: mat  a  1/MATα sir5-2/SIR5 SIR1/sir1-1 diploids are capable of sporulation. In this case, recessive mutations in two unlinked genes form a mutant phenotype, in spite of the presence of the normal wild-type alleles.—The PAS1-1 mutation, Provider of a Sporulation function, is a dominant mutation tightly linked to HMR  a. PAS1-1 does not affect the mating ability of a strain, yet it allows diploids lacking a functional MAT  a locus to sporulate. It is proposed that PAS1-1 leads to partial expression of the otherwise cryptic a1 information at HMR  a.

The Reactions of Normal and Mutant Types of Gammarus Chevreuxi to Light

1932 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-440
Author(s):  
A. WOLSKY ◽  
J. S. HUXLEY
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Moderate Degree ◽  
Negative Phototaxis ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Type Specimens ◽  
Optic Nerves ◽  
Positive Phototaxis ◽  
Statistical Results

1. A method is described for obtaining statistical results on the phototaxis of G. chevreuxi. A long tube is illuminated from one end and the numbers of animals in two arbitrarily delimited end-sections counted at regular intervals. 2. Wild-type specimens in normal conditions show a moderate degree of negative phototaxis. 3. Animals with one eye varnished show circus movements; hence the phototaxis is true tropotaxis (Fränkel, 1931 4. The sense of reaction can be reversed and the animals made to show a moderate positive phototaxis by the addition of acetic acid. Caffein has no effect. 5. Red-eyed mutants, which lack most of the melanin eye pigment, behave similarly to the wild type, though there are indications that they are often rather more sensitive to light, as shown by stronger negative phototaxis in normal conditions, weaker positive phototaxis after addition of acid. The variability of the results, however, is too great to permit of definitive conclusions being drawn. 6. Albino and colourless mutants, which possess neither retinulae nor optic nerves, show no phototaxis.

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