Since insects do not have an immune system, how do they fight off bacterial infections?
Question
#74787. Asked by tragic_flawed. (Jan 21 07 2:01 AM)
zbeckabee
"Mike Kanost (Kansas State University) professor of biochemistry and head of the department of biochemistry, and researchers in his lab are studying how insects protect themselves against infection. They think the answer lies in insects’ blood, specifically proteins."
"The researchers have made progress in understanding which molecules are present in the blood and their functions. The group also has identified proteins involved in the immune response that cause melanin - a coating of black pigment - to be synthesized and deposited on the surface of the pathogen."
"Cecropin A, a member of a family of antibiotic proteins produced by insects, may kill bacteria and avoid resistance by entering bacterial cells and taking control of their genetic machinery."
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