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Date: | Sat, 19 Sep 2015 06:09:12 -0500 |
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Abstract from "Xenobiotic detoxification pathways in honey bees" by
May Berenbaum and Reed Johnson:
Relative to most other insect genomes, the western honey bee Apis
mellifera has a deficit of detoxification genes spanning Phase I
(functionalization), II (conjugation) and III (excretion) gene
families. Although honeybees do not display across-the-board greater
sensitivity to pesticides, this deficit may render them vulnerable to
synergistic interactions among xenobiotics. Diet quality, in terms of
protein and phytochemical content, has a pronounced influence on
tolerance of toxic compounds. Detoxification gene inventory reduction
may reflect an evolutionary history of consuming relatively chemically
benign nectar and pollen, as other apoid pollinators display
comparable levels of cytochrome P450 gene reduction. Enzymatic
detoxification in the eusocial A. mellifera may be complemented by
behaviors comprising a ‘social detoxification system,’ including
forager discrimination, dilution by pollen mixing, and colony food
processing via microbial fermentation, that reduces the number or
quantity of ingested chemicals requiring detoxification.
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