On the Proteins of a + a + and aa Ephestia

Abstract

The tryptophane content of aa Ephestia larvae is higher than that of a+a+ Ephestia larvae in the non-protein fraction and probably also in the protein fraction. In homogenates of isogenic a+a+ and aa homogenates, autolysis proceeds at a faster rate in a+a+ than in aa material. Formation under the influence of the gene a of a protein richer in tryptophane and more resistant to proteolytic enzymes would constitute a conceivable mechanism for inhibition of kynurenin formation in aa animals.