BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON THE FORMATION OF THE SILKPROTEIN

Abstract

The perorally administrated Na pyruvate-2-C14 (0.5 [mu]C/larva) to the silkworm (Nichi 122 x Si 115 strain) on the 4th day of the 5th instar was predominantly recovered in alpha-C of alanine residue of cocoon fibers. The homogenates of the posterior division of the silk gland, alimentary canal and muscle plus fat tissues were capable of incorporating pyruvate-2-c14 into alanine-2-C14 in order of the activity, which was accelerated by the addition of L-glutamic or L-aspartic acid.