Cellulose Digestion in the Midgut of the Fungus-Growing Termite Macrotermes natalensis: the Role of Acquired Digestive Enzymes
Martin, M.M.; Martin, J.S.
Science 199(4336): 1453-1455
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 17796679 DOI: 10.1126/science.199.4336.1453
Accession: 051987440
The midguts of adult workers of the higher termite species Macrotermes natalensis contain the entire set of digestive enzymes required for the digestion of native cellulose. The C(x)-cellulases and the beta-glucosidases are produced, at least in part, by the termite's own midgut epithelium and salivary glands. The C(1)-cellulases, on the other hand, are acquired by the termites when they feed on a fungus that grows in their nests. We propose that the involvement of acquired digestive enzymes could serve as the basis for a general strategy of resource utilization and further suggest that the acquisition of digestive enzymes may be a widespread phenomenon among mycophagous invertebrates.