Some biochemical modulations during embryogenesis in a bivoltine strain of silkworm, Bombyx mori L.

Studies on the artificial non-diapausing eggs of Kalimpong A were conducted in order to explore the biochemical alterations in proteins (yolk proteins) concentration and esterases and phosphatases isozymes. Concentration of yolk proteins is stage specific. Electrophoretic analyses of alpha-esterase revealed three to six isozymes which were active against aplha-napthylacetate substrate. Maximum six isozymes were noticed on day 5th and 9th, while,three bands were recorded on day 1st old eggs. Four to seven isozymes were active against beta-naphthylacetate substrate. Seven, five and four bands were found on day Ist, 5th and 9th old eggs. Isozyme patterns for acid and alkaline phosphatases (Acph and Alp) were also investigated electrophoretically. Six, four and four isozymes were active during embryogenesis under alkaline pH on day Ist, 5th and 9th old eggs while under acidic pH no activity was noticed on day 1st old eggs. Five and four bands for acid phosphatase were seen on day 5th and 9th old eggs during embryogenesis.