Body Allometry of Adults is Maintained After Developmental Delays During Puberty in the Insect Manduca sexta
Joana Navarro, Malea Tuimavave, Leslie Flores
Department of Biology
Faculty Supervisor: Megumi Fuse
Developmental delays arise during puberty in children with some diseases such as cystic fibrosis and diabetes, that may be compensatory mechanisms for dealing with tissue inflammation, but that can have long term effects on reproduction. Insects have a “pubertal” stage that likewise delays after tissue damage. We use the model Manduca sexta to determine whether the delays provide a compensatory period for tissue regeneration. To assess this, we looked at body allometry - the proper proportioning of body parts - in adults after regeneration of damaged pre-pubertal (larval) tissue. M. sexta were exposed to radiation ranging from 25 to 75 Gray during the fifth larval stage to selectively damage tissues committed to becoming adult structure such as wings. We analyzed the allometry of the insect by measuring the (i) average area and perimeter of fore and hind wings and the whole body, (ii) the ratio of fore and hind wings relative to the whole body. Results showed no significant differences in average area or perimeter in larvae damage by radiation compared to controls, indicating that radiation exposure did not affect appendage measurement. Body ratios are currently being assessed. This research contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying organismal growth and regeneration.