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

Zera 9808249 物种之间最重要的差异之一是生活史特征的差异，如寿命、繁殖开始的年龄和扩散能力。 对于物种内生活史变异的生物化学遗传基础几乎一无所知，而生物化学遗传基础为这些性状的进化提供了原材料。 这项研究构成了这个问题的第一个详细的调查，并将使用机翼多态性作为一个模型。 这种多态性在昆虫中很常见，包括一种长翅（LW）形式，它能够飞行，但延迟繁殖，以及一种短翅（SW），不能飞行的形式，在成年早期繁殖。 LW型产生大量的脂质飞行燃料，相对于SW雌性中发现的水平，这减少了产卵量。 本研究将确定不同翼型之间的脂质代谢特征，并解释LW雌性中脂质含量较高和产卵量减少的原因。 将在遗传决定的LW与SW个体之间比较脂质生物合成和催化剂以及参与这些过程的酶的速率。 此外，生物化学和激素的机制，增加脂质积累的原因减少产蛋LW的形式也将进行调查。 这项研究将有助于我们了解负责生活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.