Free Access
Issue
Apidologie
Volume 22, Number 2, 1991
Page(s) 105 - 108
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:19910202
Apidologie 22 (1991) 105-108
DOI: 10.1051/apido:19910202

Aging and transcriptional activity in worker honey bees

D.W. Severson, J.L. Williamson and J.M. Aiken

Department of Veterinary Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53 706, USA

Abstract - Age-specific variability in gene expression of worker honey bees was examined using in vitro translation of mRNA. An apparent pre-programmed regime of age-specific gene activity was observed as individual workers aged. The quantitative pattern of gene expression among young bees (aged 0-2 d) was more similar to that of older bees (aged ≥ 23 d) than to that of middle-aged bees (aged 6-20 d).


Key words: Apis mellifera / gene regulation / in vitro translation / aging