[Snythesis of mucoprotein secretion in the salivary glands of Drosophila melanogaster IIIrd instar larvae]

Abstract

The process of mucoprotein (glue) accumulation is described. This substance is secreted by salivary glands of the III instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster. Granules of the secretory substance appear in the glandular cells 90 hrs after egg laying. Its secretion takes place within 120 hrs. The template RNA of glue proteins appears to be synthesized within the range of 72-85 hrs since actinomycin treatment of larvae at this time suppresses the formation of secretory substance. The portion of secretory proteins amounts to 23-32% of the total gland protein. In a mutant, 13tl, deficient by the absence of pupation, no PAS-positive, staining of glands or secretory granules identified under the phase-contrast microscope was found. A possible participation of fat body in the formation of mucoprotein secretory substance is discussed.