Abstract
We examined the relationship between growth rate, C:N:P stoichiometry, and nucleic acid content in Drosophila melanogaster. The "Growth Rate Hypothesis" predicts that N and P contents per unit body mass will be high during ontogenetic stages characterized by rapid growth, reflecting the large requirement for P-rich ribosomal RNA during these periods. The ratio of RNA:DNA also is predicted to change with changes in growth rate. Growth is rapid in early D. melanogaster larvae, slowing considerably just prior to pupation. As predicted, a positive relationship was found between growth rate and N and P content, but not C. Thus, body C:P and N:P ratios declined with increasing growth rate. The relationship between RNA content and growth rate also was positive. Additionally, the fraction of total body P contributed by ribosomal RNA increased with increasing growth rate.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 187-193 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Insect Physiology |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2006 |
Keywords
- Growth rate
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- RNA