[Isoenzymatic characterization of the hexokinase in the development of Plebeia droryana (Hymenoptera, Apidae) and its relation with flight activity]. / Caracterização isoenzimática da hexoquinase no desenvolvimento de Plebeia droryana (Hymenoptera, Apidae) e sua relação com a atividade de vôo.

ABSTRACT

Hexokinase enzyme was studied by means of starch-agarose gel electrophoresis in Plebeia droryana. Three anodal bands with enzyme activity were observed during the development hexokinase-1 (HK-1), the intensity of which increases from larvae to adult, probably related with energy supply to thoracic flight muscles and, therefore, with flight activity; hexokinase-2 (HK-2), that reaches maximum intensity in clear brown eyed pupae and hexokinase-3 (HK-3), the intensity of which reaches maximum peak in winged pupae and is not observed in the adult phase. This isozyme should have important functions in the bee metamorphosis.