Author(s): M. El Gohary, A. Al-Robai and A. Assag'af
Article publication date: 1988-08-01
Vol. 6 No. 2 (yearly), pp. 289-312.
140
Keywords
locust, Malpighian tubules, rectum
Abstract
The Malpighian tubules and rectum of the locust Poekilocerus bufonius were prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In both the Malpighian tubules and rectal epithelial cells, apical and basal modifications of the plasma membrane and mitochondria in between were demonstrated. Such arrangement may play a role in osmoregulatory function and increase surface area for reabsorption of water and recovery of mineral constituents. This morphological information would substantiate biochemical and physiological methods used to elucidate resorptive and excretory functions of these organs in P. bufonius feeding on a Calotropis procera and synthesize calotropin glucoside.