The Metabolic/Biochemical Basis of Life History Variation and Trade-Offs

物种之间最重要的差异之一是生命史特征的差异，比如寿命、开始繁殖的年龄和扩散能力。我们对物种内生命史变异的生化遗传学基础几乎一无所知，这为这些性状的进化提供了原料。本研究首次对这一问题进行了详细的研究，并将使用翼型多态性作为模型。这种多态性在昆虫中很常见，包括一种长翼（LW），能够飞行，但会延迟繁殖，以及一种短翼（SW），不会飞行，在成年早期繁殖。LW形式产生大量的脂质飞行燃料，相对于SW雌性的水平，这减少了产卵量。本研究将确定脂质代谢的特征，这些特征在翅膀形态之间存在差异，并解释了LW雌性中更多的脂质和减少的产蛋量。脂质生物合成和分解代谢率以及参与这些过程的酶将在遗传决定的LW和SW个体之间进行比较。此外，还将研究脂质积累增加导致LW型蛋鸡产蛋量下降的生化和激素机制。这项研究将有助于我们理解生命史性状进化的生化遗传机制。

Zera 9808249 One of the most important differences among species is variation in life history traits, such as longevity, the age at which reproduction begins and dispersal capability. Almost nothing is known about the biochemical-genetic basis of life history variation within species, which provides the raw material for the evolution of these traits. This study constitutes the first detailed investigation of this issue and will use wing polymorphism as a model. The polymorphism is common in insects and consists of a long-winged (LW) form which is capable of flight but which delays reproduction, and a short-winged (SW), flightless form which reproduces early in adulthood. The LW form produces large quantities of lipid flight fuel which reduces egg production relative to levels found in SW females. This study will identify the features of lipid metabolism which differ between the wing morphs and which account for both the greater amounts of lipid and the reduced egg production in LW females. Rates of lipid biosynthesis and catabolism and the enzymes involved in these processes will be compared between genetically determined LW vs. SW individuals. In addition, the biochemical and hormonal mechanisms by which increased lipid accumulation causes decreased egg production in the LW form will also be investigated. This study will contribute importantly to our understanding of the biochemical genetic mechanisms responsible for the evolution of life history traits.