Sexual Reproduction of Insects Is Regulated by Cytoplasmic Bacteria

摘要

The effects have been considered that the intraceilular symbiotic α-proteobacteria Wolbachia pipi-entis induces in its hosts, such as insects and other arthropods: cytoplasmic incompatibility upon mating, fem-inization, parthenogenesis, and andiocide. Specific features of the bacterium genome and possible mechanisms of its action on hosts are discussed. Bacteria of the genus Wolbachia live in cells of very many land invertebrates. Wolbachia is found in many insects, such as dipterans, butterflies, beetles, fleas, otthopterans, hymenopterans, springtails, etc. These bacteria are also found in spiders, mites, land isopod crustaceans (wood louse), and nematodes (Filaria). As studies are carried out, the circle of Wolbachia hosts continuously increases. But already now it is clear that the infection by Wolbachia is a universal and mass phenomenon (Stouthammer et al. 1999).