Sorbitol accumulation in whiteflies: evidence for a role in protecting proteins during heat stress
Salvucci
Journal of Thermal Biology 25(5): 353-361
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0306-4565
PMID: 10838174
DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4565(99)00107-2
Accession: 011378795
1. The relationship between sorbitol accumulation and thermotolerance was examined in whiteflies and was related to the thermoprotective properties of sorbitol in vitro. 2. Whiteflies that were conditioned at 40degreeC on diets that supported sorbitol accumulation had lower mortality rates at 44 and 46degreeC than unconditioned whiteflies and whiteflies that were conditioned at 40degreeC on diets that did not support sorbitol accumulation. 3. Physiological concentrations of sorbitol protected soluble whitefly proteins from heat-induced aggregation and inactivation. 4. Sorbitol accumulation in heat-stressed whiteflies was analogous to trehalose accumulation in yeast, and in the same way probably increases the thermotolerance of whiteflies.